Have you ever been told that you’re physically incapable of doing something? Did you believe it? Or might you have doubts? Doubt is where my story begins.
I use yoga as a therapeutic tool to help my clients mitigate the effects of old injuries and chronic conditions. It’s a process that worked wonders for me and I love to share it.
After my car accident, my first orthopedic surgeon adamantly stressed that I would never walk normally again. He had his reasons to believe so. I chose not to believe him.
My car accident nearly took my life. For three months, I was bedridden and underwent 6 surgeries on my leg. For another six months, I was immobile, in a full body cast. Nine months after emerging from the full body cast, I placed second in the Southern Arizona High School Bodybuilding Championships. I placed again, the following year.
“She understands the way bodies move.”
Instead of believing what experts told me wasn’t possible, I began to use the tools available to me to create what I felt was possible. In addition to weight-training, I began visualizing health and light in my joints, muscles and bones healing me as I grew stronger. A few years later, I discovered yoga and practices such as Qi Gong and hands-on energy work to help heal my body. I maintain a consistent commitment to therapeutic practices and a well-rounded movement practice. For me, that’s no other option: if I don’t, I’m in pain. I can either go on pain meds, live with pain and eventually, limited mobility. Or, get up early and do something to help my body exist alongside its injuries.
“Aria taught me how to breathe correctly, freeing me from steroids and inhalers.”
I’ve helped clients with disc degeneration and chronic neck pain experience greater mobility and less pain. I’ve helped clients with MS live a freer life. I’ve helped clients with broken bones and ligament tears work out in a way that supplements their bodies healing.
“Your own introduction to the principles and practice of yoga were perfectly tailor-made to the disabilities I’m dealing with.”
It’s important that we understand and respect our injuries, but equally as important that we don’t define ourselves by them.
“Drama free and always punctual she is an ideal teacher. I have trained with her for over five years and never once has she lost enthusiasm or rushed our sessions.”
Testimonials:
Aria is is the best Yoga teacher I have had in a long time. Her attention to detail and care for the body is outstanding; I am a surfer and had a lot of pain and flexibility issues as my surf improved back to when I was young (I’m 52 now) and Aria addressed it with perfection. We worked together to find the right exercises and poses that would help me improve my abilities and get rid of the pain without stressing my muscles. There’s a huge advantage in having a pro like Aria give you private lessons because as I said before she pays attention to the details and addresses things precisely. If you are going to a group yoga class, it’s like heaven and earth comparing it to the results you can achieve with her, plus, you don’t run any risk of being hurt. I cannot thank her enough for the help that keeps me in shape and would recommend her to anyone that wants to take Yoga and physical preparation to the next level. Namaste. –– Robson R.
Thank you for your invaluable assistance in my rehabilitation. From your teaching I realized ways to make my physician’s rehabilitation program even more effective. Your own introduction to the principles and practice of yoga were perfectly tailor-made to the disabilities I’m dealing with. There are people who stand out in their practice and seem to have a special calling and special ability to do what they do. In your area of expertise, you are one of those people. Thank you for your help and continuing best wishes to you. – Bruce B.
A few years ago, I had chronic pneumonia, which means that I was constantly having pneumonia. Aria, the forever patient teacher, taught me meditation to calm my worried mind. She made body, mind, and spirit stronger. Even my doctor was in awe at my progress. Previously, I had to use an inhaler everyday. Aria taught me how to breathe correctly, freeing me from steroids and inhalers. Her peaceful composure and her non-prejudice attitude motivated and comforted me on the road to recovery and beyond. It got to the point where I was so confident in her healing abilities that I would get gift certificates for all my friends (they all loved her too). Recently, my husband had a major lung surgery and her breathing exercises and gentle movements helped speed up his recovery considerably. We love Aria, not only as a teacher, but as a beautiful human being. Anyone would be blessed to have her as an instructor. — Moji M, via YELP
When I first started seeing Aria I had severe neck problems. As part of my rehab from disk surgery I started taking private yoga lessons with her. She adapted a routine specially to stretch my neck and to strengthen my core. Always with a smile her instruction helped get me back to the active person I was before my operation. Beyond her obvious skills and vast knowledge of yoga she is a also a wonderful person. Drama free and always punctual she is an ideal teacher. I have trained with her for over five years and never once has she lost enthusiasm or rushed our sessions. – Johnny K.
Aria is a wonderful and knowledgeable instructor. She tailors her classes to each individual’s needs and limitations. When I broke a few bones in my foot and couldn’t do standing poses for a few months, she created classes to meet my condition while still challenging me. – Sara P, via Facebook