Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jana Hungate. Jana was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Margie Hunter.
Jana, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“How did you become the person you are today?” Jeanna, my dear American friend, posed a question that stirred the depths of my soul. What an interesting question I was thinking. I took a moment to reflect, realizing there’s no simple answer to this profound inquiry. My journey has been intricate, molded by a life lived across diverse countries like the Czech Republic – previous Czechoslovakia, Great Britain, and the United States, demanding constant adaptation.
In the genesis, survival fueled my transformation—an instinctive response to the challenges that unfolded. Then came the phase of fitting in, a dance of assimilation in various cultural landscapes, marked by moments of feeling like an imposter.
But now, in the most empowering chapter, I’m on a quest to rediscover the true essence of Jana. It’s about peeling away layers, reconnecting with my original roots, and embracing authenticity. The journey is a testament to the resilience forged through change and an invitation for others to embark on their paths of self-discovery.
This is how everything started…
I was growing up in the heart of the Czech Republic during the era of communism. My childhood was filled with love, support, nourishment, and care. Yet, little did I know what it truly meant to live under the oppressive regime of communism.
For those who haven’t experienced it, let me paint a vivid picture of what life under communism entailed. It’s essential to grasp the depths of this reality because it profoundly shaped who I am today. Imagine a world where every aspect of your life is meticulously orchestrated by a governing body, the Communist Party, with no consideration for your individual dreams or needs. In this world, you become a silent cheerleader, marching to their orders, stifling your voice, your dreams, and your very essence.
Conformity wasn’t just encouraged; it was expected, enforced even. From the earliest days of our childhood, we were taught to blend in, never stand out, keep our voices low, and stifle our ambitions. This left me with a sense of profound imbalance.
But why, you might ask? Because any deviation from the Communist Party’s doctrine came with dire consequences. Non-compliance meant risking your family’s livelihood, their educational opportunities, and their professional growth. The state held an iron grip on every facet of life, from what we saw on television to the books we read and the history we learned. Everything was controlled and manipulated.
In such an environment, questioning your doctor’s advice was unheard of. They carried the prestigious title of “MUDr” (Doctor of Medicine) and had undergone extensive education. Their word was gospel, and no one dared to question it. The country’s borders were tightly sealed, restricting our travel to select, less-than-desirable destinations.
My parents, like many others, had internalized these beliefs since their own childhoods. They had been conditioned to obey authority figures and trust their judgment implicitly. Living under the constant threat of informants among neighbors and friends was a daily reality, forcing us to tread carefully.
Fortunately, I was lucky to grow up close to loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These moments were precious, filled with life lessons on household chores, cooking, gardening, working, and the importance of supporting one another. Being part of our extended Czech family was a true blessing.
Reflecting on those times still sends shivers down my spine. Czechoslovakia felt like a land shrouded in scarcity, with low vibrational energy, frowning faces replacing smiles, darkness overshadowing wellness, and a profound lack of freedom and self-development resources.
Though I was surrounded by loving family and support, an underlying sense of frustration persisted. I couldn’t voice my opinions freely, forced to consume censored news and conform to a stereotypical lifestyle. I felt small in a stubborn, gray, and heavy system, living with a false sense of security and freedom. None of us could pinpoint this feeling until November 17, 1989, when the Communist rule ended, marking a new era of press freedom and personal liberty. Suddenly there was color, vibrancy, and the opportunity to explore our own identities. The borders opened, travel restrictions lifted, and our horizons expanded. Yet we had to learn how to dream again.
Several years later, I earned my Master’s degree in Teaching from Palacky University and embarked on my teaching career with eagerness. I landed a full-time job at an elementary school just a short walk from my home, complete with benefits and a generous two-month paid summer vacation—an unimaginable luxury. However, I had no idea that this period in my life would have a profound impact on my health. If only I had known then what I know now.
I enthusiastically embraced my role as a first-grade teacher, guiding 35 young minds without assistance or volunteers. I dove headfirst into the task, but over the ensuing months, my health began to deteriorate. I became chronically ill, plagued by sore throats, flu, colds, allergies, and even asthma soon joined the list of ailments leaving me confused. I constantly questioned, “Why is this happening to me?” as I sought help from a barrage of doctors and specialists.
I felt medicated and overmedicated without feeling any better.
I tirelessly searched for answers, resources, anything that might help me heal and regain my well-being. I often heard the same dismissive advice from doctors and colleagues: “Don’t worry, Jana. You’ll be sick for a few months because you catch everything from your students. You’ll develop immunity soon.” But that wasn’t my reality. I couldn’t help but wonder: What was I doing wrong?
It was at this moment that my journey towards true self-awareness began. Previously, I had suppressed my feelings, blindly trusting that my doctors knew my body better than I did. This pivotal realization forced me to acknowledge that I had to take charge of my own health. I knew that the conventional path of medicating was not serving me, but I wasn’t sure how to proceed.
Internally, I knew something had to change. I sensed that this pattern of relying on medication was unworthy, and I needed to explore alternative solutions. That’s when I decided to seek the guidance of a naturopathic doctor in my area, despite my initial apprehensions.
I made an appointment and embarked on a vastly different treatment journey. I connected with this homeopathic doctor who was smart and progressive in healing ways and her approach was refreshingly different. She delved into my health, my family history, and various aspects of my life. Unlike other doctors who rushed to prescribe medication, she asked questions, listened attentively, and sought the root cause of my issues.
What struck me was the simplicity of her method. We unearthed the underlying cause of my health problems through a series of questions, which felt like a revelation. Discovering the root cause of my health issues through inquiry rather than medication was eye-opening. I left her office with a new health protocol, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, acupuncture, cupping, homeopathy, and a cleanse.
This experience was a breath of fresh air. It was empowering to have faith in my ability to heal and be myself once again. With professional guidance, I set out on a journey of recovery, which, though simple, was far from easy. Changing one’s lifestyle, dietary habits, and daily routines takes time, but it was undoubtedly worth the effort.
My newfound appreciation for natural healing remedies and my personal transformation were profound. I had witnessed the power of holistic medicine firsthand, and I was a living testament to its effectiveness.
Together, we discovered the root cause of my health issues – the elementary school
building itself. The school had been flooded a few years before I started teaching, and
Although the exterior appeared perfect, toxins had accumulated in the walls.
Knowing that ground-level classrooms were contaminated, I had requested a transfer
to the upper level of the school for the following year. The change was transformative.
My health began to improve, and I regained my energy. Asthma disappeared, and I
started feeling like myself again. It took time and effort to embrace new habits and
lifestyle changes, but it was undoubtedly worth it.
I share my personal journey not as a tale of triumph over adversity but as an inspiration for others to seek their unique paths to healing. There is always another solution waiting to serve you better.
Please tell us more about your brand, Balm Wellness
Jana Hungate is the founder of BALM Wellness – a holistic wellness expert and an intuitive bodyworker with a passion for helping people worldwide feel better naturally. She combines a European approach to wellness with modern techniques such as stress management, Neuro Linguistic Programming, aromatherapy, breath, yoga, and spa treatments to create a customized experience for her clients. As a dynamic speaker, Jana ignites a global movement, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves through her powerful message, “Every BODY has a story.” Jana’s expertise in corporate wellness and virtual wellness makes her the strategic guide for individuals looking to prevent burnout and integrate new health, mindset, and productivity techniques into their daily lives. In my real life, I wear many hats—a mother to two wonderful kids, and a guardian to two cats and a dog, all rescue animals. They are not just companions; they are connecting me to the roots of my being. My bio is a living, breathing reflection of a journey in constant flux, evolving and progressing alongside the chapters of my life. From my teaching days and personal health challenges, a new chapter emerged—the birth of the BALM Wellness platform. It’s not just a platform; it’s a sanctuary where I share and extend support to those navigating their unique wellness journeys. On this holistic expedition, I guide others through the intricate dance of physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. Armed with diverse healing techniques, from Neuro Linguistic Programing, Bodywork and Massage, iTovi scans to the aromatic wonders of essential oils, I’m committed to providing tangible support. The essence lies in action—starting, doing, and moving forward step by step. Whether it’s private one-on-one sessions, dynamic group engagements, inspiring seminars, transformative retreats, wellness events, or corporate wellness initiatives, I am there as a connection and supporter. Together, we forge new paths, reshape mindsets, and create achievable, actionable ways to naturally feel better. Passion fuels my commitment to educate and share, exemplified by my recent role as a guest speaker for Chapman University Psychology and premedical students, where I shared not just my story but the vital lessons of self-care and wellness. What sets me apart is my European approach—a candid honesty that isn’t always easy to digest, yet it’s transformative.. My primary goal is to simplify self-care, offering practical tips for busy lives—reframing, mindset, reflexology, stretching, yoga postures, breathwork, self- massage, and aromatherapy, seamlessly integrated into daily routines. I am proud of and grateful for what I’ve achieved alongside the satisfaction of my clients. Hearing their stories of transformation on various levels is the ultimate validation.I have created the BALM Wellness Bag, a collection of massage tools ( wooden massage balls, jade roller, reflexology ring and dry lymphatic brush) ensuring support throughout hectic days. And there’s more to come, as I’m currently immersed in a couple of projects that will further benefit my clients. I am working on creating an additional and supporting niche for Burnout as I help professionals prevent BURNOUT by cultivating healthy habits. Young Living Essential Oils are more than products; they are a significant part of my toxin-free life. Among them, Thieves stands on the top, a powerhouse in supporting immunity. My professional work is built on deep personal connections, trust, privacy, and loving support. I find joy in using different massage tools and motivational cards and quotes during my work, elevating the experience for both myself and my clients. I infuse my work with a European touch and perspective, adding a distinctive flair to the overall experience. As a source of inspiration, I pulled a card from my Self-Care Wisdom Deck, and its message resonates: RISK—Take a chance. Every risk becomes a success when committed to learning and growth. If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey with me, let’s connect via social media, phone call, or a personal email. BALM Wellness offers a variety of services both locally in Orange County, California, and virtually—reaching across international borders. Always remember: Every BODY has a story. What’s yours…?
Margie Hunter has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Margie and your experience with them.
When I think of my dear friend Margie Hunter, the overwhelming feeling is love! Margie exudes a magnetic and warm energy coupled with profound understanding, making her truly one of a kind. Overcoming MS and now living free from it, she has become a inspiration and support for others grappling with health issues. For the past 14 years, Margie has been an integral part of my life, playing roles of a guru, teacher, and a cherished friend. Her strength, surprises, and dedication in conquering MS with a positive attitude make her a monumental source of inspiration and a mentor in my life.
Our paths intertwined during our yoga practices with another spiritual guide, and Margie, who was our guru’s right hand, has now stepped into the role of sharing her vast knowledge and experiences. Countless hours have been spent practicing yoga together, be it in person, virtually, in classes, or on her rejuvenating retreats. After each session with Margie, you are left feeling calm, balanced, positive, and guaranteed to sleep better.
One of the extraordinary aspects of Margie’s teachings is her focus on our current needs and the importance of breath. Each session carries a specific intention crucial for healing, echoing Margie’s motto: “Relaxation reached through yoga is where the healing happens.”
Margie isn’t just a yogi; she’s also a skilled speaker and writer. Her book, “Transcending MS,” is a beautifully simplified guide on supporting the nervous system, not limited to those with MS but a must-read for everyone seeking health and wellness. It’s not just a one-time read; it’s an ongoing journey of continuous insights and peace. I can’t stress enough how this book has become a constant source of enlightenment for me.
Margie’s breakthrough approach to reducing or eliminating MS symptoms, detailed in “Transcending MS,” has received accolades from none other than Deepak Chopra and has been added to the Oxford Medical Library. This book radiates a special healing energy, making it a valuable resource for anyone dealing with neurological issues.
Margie’s impact extends beyond her book; she now offers the Bio Well Scan, a transformative tool providing a complete scan of the body’s energetic state. Having experienced it myself, I’m still amazed at the profound depth it offers.
If you haven’t connected with Margie Hunter yet, I urge you to do so. She is not just a friend; she is an earthbound angel and a hidden gem, touching the lives of thousands. Connect with Margie, get her book, and be prepared for the unexpected. Share your experiences with others. Margie has changed my life in ways words can’t capture, and I believe she can do the same for you.
As I mentioned previously:
“
I love, love, love the book. It is not a book only about MS, this is a special book for everyone to read. I felt like this book must be on everybody’s nightstand.
— Jana Hungate
–Transcending MS – – with Margie Hunter
Website: www.balmwellness.com
Instagram: jana_hungate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janahungatehealingmassagetherapy
Image Credits
Lea Prokopowicz – Brand Images by Lea
