Meet Sofia Ianovskaia of Ayurvedic Insights in West Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Ianovskaia.

Sofia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a child I was always interested in exploring acupressure points. My Mom is an MD and I was curious in natural healing without medications. I would sit on my little chair and look at her alternative medicine books with great interest.

In 2010, I enrolled in American Academy of Reflexology to take a Beginner Reflexology course, my goal was to help my husband with his back before our wedding. Little did I know that it will turn into a profession which I love.

After our wedding in 2010, I had a career change and my husband encouraged me to study Ayurveda which was one of my passions before.

In 2011-2012, I went to Kerala Ayurveda Academy and realized that in order to practice Ayurvedic Bodywork I need a license. So I went to A2Z Massage Schools in Reseda and became a Massage Therapist. However, in the back of my mind I always wanted to practice Reflexology. I went back to school to take Integrated Advanced Reflexology and have been practicing ever since.

I was very fortunate to meet Vaidya Mishra, well renowned Ayurvedic physician, educator and product Formulator at Moksha Festival. I had a privilege to intern and to learn from him.

I now have a busy Reflexology practice at Whole Foods Tarzana Market Relaxation Station.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey having a private practice from always working in a corporate world was and still is fascinating.

I arrived at the Relaxation Station February 26, 2013 with strong desire to serve clients, but with actually “0” clients to start with.

The challenge is that you have to make it work and not only meet new clients, but convert them to become your regular clients. Thanks to my networking skills and divine intervention – I persevered.

That means making new connections, attending networking events, marketing on Facebook and Yelp, etc.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is called Ayurvedic Insights & Reflexology.

I am a Certified Ayurveda Wellness Counselor and Advanced trained and Certified Reflexologist.

Ayurveda is a science of health which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago.

Reflexology is the study, art, and science of applying specific touch techniques to the Feet, Hands, and outer Ears where theory suggests there is a pressure map resembling a shape of the Human Body. By applying nurturing touch in specific ways, a wide range of health benefits have been reported. Definition by Bill Flocco.

I combine two different subject matters!

When a client comes to have a session I first read his feet from the health point of view, not to predict the future. Your feet are your GPS, they tell stories! I then discuss the diet. I practice Bill Flocco Method which is Integrated Reflexology and work on 5 maps. This is why my website is called www.5mapsreflexology.com

It includes deep work on the ears, hands, feet, face and scalp. In addition, my knowledge of Sujok and Face Reflexology comes in handy when for some reason it is impossible to relax or help a person by using other methods.

I specialize in stress reduction, relaxation, digestive issues, migraines, anxiety and fertility. Since I was trained to offer Fertility Reflexology I am proud to say that in May 2017 one of my clients is going to have twins, which will total fertility kids who were helped at the Relaxation Station to 11!!!!!!!!

What sets me apart from others is the time and undivided attention I give to a client. My knowledge of various methods of treatment, but mainly, for my follow up. Every single client receives a message from me the following day to find out how they are feeling after the session in addition to a very detailed follow up with recommendations and simple exercises to follow.

I also enjoy teaching both Ayurveda and Reflexology as part of community service, workshops, retreats, and at various schools.

What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since I was a child I liked playing hospital. Reading books and travelling was always my passion.

I think my interest in Reflexology started when I was in the 1st grade. Since I never liked or understood math, I would always hide under the very last desk in the classroom. I would bring my little dolls, tiny foot tubs, I would massage their feet and be in charge of the “spa”. To this day I am surprised that my teacher either never noticed what I was doing in class or did not want to be bothered. Nevertheless, this is exactly what I am doing at the moment.

Pricing:

• I charge a $1.20 a minute, this is a standard price at the Relaxation Station so clients can have options. Normally clients have 45 minutes to an hour, however I work with everyone’s budget.

Contact Info:

• Address: Relaxation Station at Whole Foods Tarzana Market18700 Ventura Blvd.
  Tarzana, CA 91356
• Website: http://5mapsreflexology.com/
• Phone: 8185167526
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ayurvedic-Insights-389525484418070/
• Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ayurvedic-insights-tarzana-2
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sianovskaia/

Image Credit:
Sofia Ianovskaia with Donna Weinstein- Schechter (permission granted)