Meet Ana C. | Licensed Massage Therapist, Ayurveda Counselor In-Training, Trauma Touch Therapist, Cacao Ceremonialist.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana C. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always been independent. I grew up with a single mother, who also had a single mother, so I was surrounded by women who worked hard and fought hard to provide for their children. What they had to go through, not being able to rely on anyone, I was taught since I was at a very young age. I took myself to school, I cooked my own meals, I did my own work in the house. I grew up very poor, and independence is very crucial to survive. This is the root of my growth in who I am.

Now, what got me into the field that I am now is a completely different story. I’ve had a very long life of experiences, both good and bad. One of the main factors that got me to where I am today, is drug addiction. I was at a very low dark place early in my life, and it caused me to be hospitalized. After that experience I craved change. One weekend, I decided to be sober just to test out what it was like. I entered a group meditation that provided cacao as a ceremonial medicine. For those who aren’t familiar, cacao is natural, comes from a tree, and shamans from central and South America used cacao in ceremonies for good health and inner peace. Scientifically speaking, cacao is also a stimulant for blood circulation and improves cardiovascular health, amongst other benefits for the body. This is pure cacao, with zero additives at all. In this meditation we drank cacao, and then laid down in a comfortable position. We all began with deep breaths, and continued breathing for 90 minutes. Once the meditation was over, I felt an overwhelming sensation of serenity and love. This was a sensation I had never felt before. I felt warm, and inner peace. I could finally say that I was happy, and a community of beautiful people greeted me with a huge warm welcome. I will never forget this experience, and this changed my life completely.

I wanted others to feel this same way. I thought that meditation was revolutionary. That weekend inspired me to continue healing. I have been sober for 4 years now. I wasn’t sure how I could bring this medicine to others, the community, my family. Then, I found massage therapy. Receiving a massage is just as meditative as anything else. My first day of massage school I fell in love with the practice. I learned that true love of the Self, inner peace and happiness, begins with feeling comfortable with your own body. With massage therapy, we work with pain, we move through the trauma, and with deep breaths we find a comfortable state of relaxation. I decided to start my practice with massage therapy, and my business will not end here. I am still so incredibly inspired by life and the feeling of being alive, that I am currently learning more of what I can do for others to feel the same. There is so much depression, anxiety, fear and stress in this world, that change starts within the Self. When you feel happy, when you feel like you can move your body in a natural and comfortable way then change happens, and it can change the world.

I am currently studying at Maharishi international University with a degree in Ayurveda Integrative Medicine, which applies all natural therapies, including meditation, massage, yoga, and herbology to a real clinical setting with science based evidence to improve the health of individuals. I also plan on pursuing a doctorate degree in Neuroscience and health. My business I created is not only to be independent, but to also have the freedom of learning and not providing the same service everyday. My thought process behind my business is to simply spark change, to inspire individuals to have a happy healthy life. There is science behind natural medicine, and I plan on learning and sharing that with the world.

“By all means, keep moving.” – Dr. Martin Luther King.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Growing a business is not easy, however I don’t let the struggles stop me from pursuing my passions. There are hundreds of massage therapists in Colorado, if not thousands. I find it hard to express myself and my business through advertisement. My current clients I have are my true inspirations that drive me to do more. I love and am grateful for everyone who comes into my office because they desire change within themselves, and ultimately that change inspires others as well. I got to where I am today because I truly am passionate about helping others, and that is my only goal.

I have learned that there is no way you can completely show who you are and what you are about by advertisement, however when people come to you the experience must be unique and somewhat life-changing, because it those people who experience this who will tell other people, then those other people will tell others and the cycle continues. I strive to continue this practice by inspiring others. Word of mouth has been my best friend when it comes to advertising my business.

My practice is more than just a massage therapy practice. My clients come to relieve their stress and pain, and they feel comfortable in letting go because in my practice they feel at home. I am constantly learning what I can do more of for them. I specialize in myofascial deep tissue, traditional Thai massage, and trauma touch therapy. Soon here, once I complete my Ayurvedic Integrative Medicine degree, I will also specialize in human development, natural herbal medicine, yoga therapy, and Transcendental Meditation.

Myofascial deep tissue massage works with the intricate layers of the muscular system, applying manual therapy to release tension in the fascia. Traditional Thai massage focuses on stretching, improving mobility and flexibility. Trauma Touch Therapy is a somatic experience that allows the client to dive into their body away from trauma and setting into comfort. Ayurveda is one of the most ancient medical systems in the world that focuses on preventative medicine, including herbal supplements, nutrition, yoga, and meditation, which is all backed by science based evidence.

My past struggles in life is what put me here, and my success comes from the drive to be better, not only for myself, but for others as well, to inspire a healthy community within healing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
After arriving from the airport we would grab a bite to eat at City O’ City, they have the best raviolis!! Then we explore Colorado for the week. My friends and I aren’t that big into the city life, we are more outdoor enthusiasts. If it was their first time visiting, I would take them to Rocky Mountain National Park and explore the gorgeous alpine lakes. Depending on the time of year, if it was winter I would take them to natural hot springs deep within the mountains. During summer, we would go camping in the San Juan National forest. If there was a concert, let’s go to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Colorado has so much to offer that I simply cannot allow my friends to only explore the city. Denver has wonderful food options to offer, but the true adventure is in the mountains.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although my mother has given me immense trauma in my childhood, I forgive her because she was a young single mother just trying her best everyday, and I give a shoutout to you mom. You inspired me to keep working hard and moving forward. No matter what the struggles are, you kept going, and I will keep going too.

I give a shoutout to my old restaurant boss, Danny, who didn’t give up on me during my addiction phase, and inspired me to be a better person and pushed me over the edge to become my strongest self.

I give a massive thank you to the Ecstatic Dance, Cacao, and sober community for showing me that love still exists in the world and that support is out there for those who need it. We don’t need to face it all alone, and you have shown me that.

Website: www.youvibratehigh.com

Instagram: @youvibratehigh

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Yelp: Vibras Alto LLC