Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Kessler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am an Ayurvedic wellness coach, massage therapist and intuitive body worker. What really sparked my inspiration to heal was a slow train crash waiting to happen. In July 2013 I experienced what some may call a nervous breakdown but I like to call my “burn out”. I felt completely disconnected from self. Like my soul spinning around in a dark empty hole. I recently had gone on and off prescription meds while trying to control and abstain from some binging habits of opiates, alcohol and cocaine. I had an awful day at work that turned into the panic attack from hell and I decided I wanted to attempt suicide. I wrote a note. I wanted to be free from my tired body. At some point during my attempt I got a flash of fear and called 911. I was hospitalized for two weeks, then moved back into my parent’s house. I started over. This was the hardest challenge of my life. I was over medicated on lithium and over anti-psychotics. I felt like a zombie. Still not sure what had happened but knowing I was ready for a different life. I started going to somatic therapy. I started putting distance between myself and the friendships that felt toxic to me. Then there was a beautiful person that cane into my life. She became my best friend, sister and healer. Her name was Laura. She was an Ayurvedic practitioner and massage therapist and by our budding friendship she introduced me to power of bodywork, self-care and holistic medicine. It was that friendship that changed my life and brought me to where I am today. She gave me my first massage and Ayurvedic healing experience and the effects on my body and mind were profound. I began feeling like a sprouted seed and I couldn’t wait for my roots to keep grow deeper and deeper. I started working as a sales associate at the dhyana Center in Sebastopol CA that soon after became my school of training. This special little gem in Northern California is a healing center, bath house, apothecary and school of healing arts taught by the amazing founder and owner DeAnna Batdorf. It was here at this school that revealed my personal passion for being in service to others. In the 10 month clinical program, DeAnna teaching style was completely unique. She teaches her students Ayurvedic philosophy, Tibetan Ayurvedic pulse reading, western and eastern nutrition, and her own techniques of Ayurvedic treatments called panchakarma that included shamanic practices, energy healing, rebirthing, and even mediumship. I will forever appreciate and love the precious knowledge I gained from this school. Since my graduation, I went on to getting certified as a massage therapist at national holistic institute in their 900 hour program where I couldn’t recommend more for anyone wanting to start their career as a massage therapist! After moving to Long Beach with my beloved partner, I worked under Ayurvedic doctor Jayagopal Parla for 7 months which I practiced classical Ayurvedic medicine and traditional panchakarma treatments with his clients which was an incredible experience I could not be more grateful for. I am now starting to build my own practice and growing the roots of my seedling here in Long Beach CA as I integrate more into the community.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely been a bumpy road. Mental health isn’t a linear process. Even though through my own practice of learning how to facilitate healing for others, I have to keep healing myself constantly. Life is always throwing punches. In some ways my stress and struggle is a product out of economic oppression. In some ways its years of processing trauma and learning how to cope with triggers. It’s also because I’m extremely hard on myself as others can relate! My friend Laura who I mentioned earlier passed away and this loss has caused me immense bouts of grief which I’m sure I will always have to process through. But by no means are these weaknesses. I find they help me constantly turn to mindfulness and compassion for myself and others. My yoga practice is also an unconditional love and support for me when I feel triggered.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Moon Bloom Healing – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a massage therapist, Ayurvedic wellness coach and I’m a chef (from a previous lifetime) I specialize in sacred self-care, women’s health and digestion. I help my clients develop a personalized self-care journey with nutrition and herbal support, self-massage technique and at home remedies. When clients come to me for treatments, I like to call myself an intuitive bodyworker because I don’t see massage or bodywork as an ordinary experience or modality. I see it has a somatic therapy that can help us process what is stuck in the subconscious and deep in our body. My yoga teacher Dharma Shakti of yogalutionon movement is always saying “the issues are in the tissues!” And that’s exactly how I approach my bodywork! I think something that also sets me apart is my experience with women’s health. I have experience working in a holistic breast and uterine clinic, doing breast exams and massage to help treat women with fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and various dis-eases. I also now teach a workshop on breast and womb self-care. It’s amazing what this work can do for not only physical wellbeing but psychologically as well. Living in the patriarchal world, we’ve been so disconnected or hard on our bodies for so long. Especially women and fem identifying beings who’ve experienced body dis morphia, eating disorders and addiction.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Moving my life from the sweet fresh air and trees of Northern California hasn’t been easy! And finding a new community in your 30’s isn’t easy either! But after being here for two years my heart and eyes are wide open to all the beauty and creative energy this metropolis breathes and digests! I am constantly amazed by the art and the food and the blending of the cultures and the moments of kindness that are that much more appreciated in a beast like Southern California.
Pricing:
- Pulse consultation initial $100/follow up $60
- Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage) $80
- Shiro abhyanga (head/neck massage) $60
Contact Info:
- Address: I work out of a studio called Free Spirit Yoga
3910 Atlantic ave
Long Beach Ca 90807 - Website: Moonbloomhealing.com
- Phone: 5628224553
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @moonbloomhealing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100026723273000
Image Credit:
Portraits taken by Miriam Brummell
@evenkeelimagery
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
