Step into the world of holistic healing with Karla A. Cain, where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness. From a successful career on Wall Street to embracing Ayurveda and yoga, Karla shares her transformative journey and the profound insights she’s gained along the way. Join MysticMag and explore the essence of Ayurveda, discover the benefits of body therapies, and delve into the vision behind the Sattvic Sage Sanctuary.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a few details about your professional background?
Greetings, I am Karla A. Cain. I am an Ayurveda Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, and Holistic Business Mentor. I am thrilled to share a bit about the world of Ayurveda. I had a previous corporate professional journey that spanned over 23 years in the NASD/SEC Financial Investment Industry in Brokerage Account Administration, Financial Planning, Investment Advisory, Federal & State Investment Law, Life/Health Insurance, Staff Coaching & Training, Marketing, Business Development, Networking, and Public Relations. I held roles in the two largest firms on Wall Street.
I made lots of money and got really sick. Like many people, I lived life for my job, without any balance. I did not eat right. I did sleep well. I made poor choices in all aspects of life attempting to find escape. I was prescribed mass doses of Anti-Anxiety medicines and Sleep Aids – which did not help. I have Native American Indian blood. I have always deeply felt there was something more to our existence.
My path took a transformative turn when I discovered Yoga in 1997 and Ayurveda in 2010, driven by my own struggles with physical ailments, severe weight gain and intense mental stress. Through my dedicated study and my own profound personal healing (including a 100 lb. weight loss), I unearthed this intense passion for natural medicine and the significant effects of these ancient practices. In 2015, I consciously chose to transition from the corporate realm to wholeheartedly embrace holistic healing as my primary pursuit and service. I now offer a range of services and courses, both in-person and live online.
What is Ayurveda and what are the benefits of Ayurveda Body Therapies?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India. It translates to “Science of Life” and is rooted in philosophical and spiritual principles. It is the most ancient, most complete and most comprehensive form of Naturopathic Medicine known to man. It treats ALL parts of us – the Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual & Energetic. Modern medicine sees these aspects of humans as separate…. and applies the same medicines to all people expecting the same outcomes.
The fundamental difference of this practice is that it recognizes each individual’s unique situation, experience, symptoms, AND how it will respond in a unique way in both the body and mind. It recognizes that each individual human will have a distinct inherent structure (Prakriti) and unique imbalances (Vikriti). It also meticulously understands the qualities/attributes and characteristics of all consumable items on earth – foods, plants, trees, bark, nuts, seeds, etc and that each person metabolises these substances in a different way. Not all herbal medicine is for all people. Each substance chosen has specific qualities that must address the qualities of an illness. It is a HUGE topic and very challenging to express in one small article. What can be expressed here is that Ayurveda is a natural medicine that is designed for YOU, not the masses. It also focuses on eliminating the root cause of an illness, which is the ultimate Functional Medicine. It uses a variety of healing components: herbal medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, nature exposure, yoga, meditation, body therapies, and cleansing actions. It also addresses energetics, the pranic imprint, karma, and Akasha. It understands every aspect of our existence. The very first workshop I attended scooped up my soul and I was home.
The Body Therapies are also rooted in Ayurvedic theory (which also addresses 5 aspects of the human being / unique situations mentioned above). Abyhanga, for example, is not a typical ‘massage’ that may be performed at a spa. It must be performed on a very individualized basis. An Ayurvedic practitioner assesses the individual’s constitution/imbalances to tailor therapies, herbs, and oils accordingly. There would NEVER be use of a chemical lotion.
That said, the benefits are healing and rejuvenating, and are deeply detoxifying to tissues and cells by elimination of accumulated toxins (ama) through therapies like massage, herbal steam baths, and nasal cleansing. These therapies strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, they can alleviate chronic conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, and stress-related ailments. What sets Ayurveda Body Therapies apart is their personalized approach, leading to more effective results. Moreover, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, including diet and daily routines, to maintain balance post-treatment.
What can you tell me about the Sattvic Sage Sanctuary?
YES! I am happy to! The Sanctuary is a vision that will be unfolding in Tonopah, AZ over the next few years. Just as I currently offer all aspects of Ayurveda & Yoga practice out of my residential home in Buckeye AZ, Sattvic Sage Sanctuary will be an expansion of my living space (with the addition of land acreage), allowing for groups to partake in traditional application of therapies and ceremony.
It will also be established with accommodations for extended stays and retreats with a boutique level of experience and care. It will include a range of offerings from Ayurveda Workshops, Yoga Classes, Yoga Teacher Training, Cooking Classes, Women’s Events, Community Outreach Programs, etc. Additional details and so much more information may be found on my website!
What can people expect from your workshops and retreats?
If I were to summarize the words from students to have described these gatherings, I would say that I have a knack for explaining these in-depth, complicated ancient texts in a way that the average Western ear can understand. A student coming to class should expect that it will be explained in a digestible way and almost ALL attendees express that the discussion is life-altering. When the concepts are explained well, the lightbulb goes off above the head… which leads to a great shift in perspective / remembering our natural human design and how it is meant to operate.
We must remember the circadian rhythm and how we operate as organic beings on a planet in a solar system. It offers a pretty deep A-HA moment. Also, with all of my background in corporate public speaking, etc., students should expect high-level quality and professional level setup, communications, and even class handouts. All aspects of Classes and retreats are done with fine attention and perfection to detail. In short, attendees may walk away with a whole new look on life. Check out the testimonials on my website and social media!
What other services do you offer?
I am also a Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.
I am also an NCCBAM Certified Āyurveda Clinical Supervisor who may provide Clinical Internship hours for Ayurveda Students across the US.
I am an ERYT – Yoga Instructor with almost 27 years of study and experience offering both group classes and private sessions (both in person and live online).
I am a YACEP – Yoga Alliance-approved Continuing Education provider.
I am a Yoga Alliance Registered School, offering 200Hr & 300HR Yoga Teacher Training Courses.
I offer perspectives in Vedic Psychology & Sankhya Philosophy.
I am an ACE Certified Behavioral Change Specialist, assisting in suggestions on shifting out of old patterns of behavior.
I offer Holistic Business Mentorship & Consulting, helping those entrepreneurs starting or wishing to refine their own holistic businesses.
I am President of The Āyurveda Professionals of Arizona.
I sit on the Board of Directors for The National Consortium of Āyurveda Medicine.
I am Adjunct Faculty of Ānanda Āyurveda Academy in Willowbrook, IL.
How can people get in touch with you and learn more about your work?
I have offices in 2 locations~ 1 in Buckeye, AZ – Phoenix Metro and 1 in Willowbrook, IL – Chicago West Suburb
I spend approx 2-3 months at the Chicago location each summer/fall.
Karla A. Cain & Sattvic Sage Ayurveda is on ALL Social Media Platforms – Friend or Follow!
Website www.sattvicsage.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/sattvicsage
TikTok www.tiktok.com/@sattvicsage
Instagram @sattvic_sage_ayurveda
YouTube www.youtube.com/c/SattvicSageAyurveda
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/SattvicSage
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/sattvicsageayurveda
