About Me:
I have been a practicing licensed massage therapist since 1999. Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina for 16 years meant being surrounded by wonderful healing arts teachers in an environment where nature itself was a great teacher.
Back in 2000 I was hired as a doctor’s assistant at the Center for Chinese Medicine where under the wings of Cissy Majebe O.M.D. and Sidney Wallace O.M.D. I received my first serious immersion into alternative medicine, ethics and philosophy.
In 2004 I began my training in The Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Therapy. In 2005 I became certified as a clinical herbalist, and in 2006 I lived in Belize, Central America with a renowned author, ethnobotanist and doctor of napropathy, Dr. Rosita Arvigo. This proved to be one of the most profound and life changing experiences of my career.
I taught at a local school for massage therapy in San Ignacio and assisted Dr. Arvigo with large groups of workshop attendants who traveled from all over the world to learn about the work she lovingly spent 30 years cultivating. I slept under her roof, shared meals, did chores, worked at both her clinic and the Rainforest Remedies factory all while listening to stories that made my internship a once in a lifetime experience. Daily walks through the rainforest connected me with the plants and animals of the region. Traveling through the country on my days off connected me to the culture. Most importantly, I learned many of the traditions of Maya spiritual healing from Dr. Arvigo as they were passed down to her by a native shaman named Don Elijio Panti.http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/10/world/eligio-panti-103-maya-healer-with-modern-ties.html
I will always be grateful to Dr. Arvigo for her generous and benevolent mentorship and friendship.
Along with my professional studies, I have invested much time and money in continuing education which includes pre & post natal massage, lymphatic drainage, visceral manipulation, and compassionate birthing techniques. I completed a semester at The New Seminary in NYC, an interfaith ministry, before it closed in 2011. My interest in body, mind and spirit is tied into my belief that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience; therefore, health is a tri-fold matter that requires a holistic approach.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Charleston, SC. My other credentials include teaching anatomy & physiology of herbal medicine at One World Healing Arts Institute, being an honorary staff member of integrative practices at WNC OB-GYN, running a modest but successful private practice in downtown Asheville for over ten years and co-founding a successful burlesque troupe in Asheville, NC called The Rebelles in which I directed, performed and co-created many sold out multi-media productions for five years.
In the spring of 2011, I moved to the magical city of New Orleans, renowned for it’s history, music and culture. Out on the fringe, I am still learning new things… after all, isn’t life all about learning and growing? I am currently an avid swing dancer, blog writer and launching a new enterprise called Big Izzy Productions. Thank you for reading my biography, and please don't hesitate to contact me for any and all services. I sincerely look forward to working with you.
Isabelle Guzman, BFA, LMBT LA #5786
Licensed and insured member of NAMT (National Association of Masssage Therapists)
I have been a practicing licensed massage therapist since 1999. Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina for 16 years meant being surrounded by wonderful healing arts teachers in an environment where nature itself was a great teacher.
Back in 2000 I was hired as a doctor’s assistant at the Center for Chinese Medicine where under the wings of Cissy Majebe O.M.D. and Sidney Wallace O.M.D. I received my first serious immersion into alternative medicine, ethics and philosophy.
In 2004 I began my training in The Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Therapy. In 2005 I became certified as a clinical herbalist, and in 2006 I lived in Belize, Central America with a renowned author, ethnobotanist and doctor of napropathy, Dr. Rosita Arvigo. This proved to be one of the most profound and life changing experiences of my career.
I taught at a local school for massage therapy in San Ignacio and assisted Dr. Arvigo with large groups of workshop attendants who traveled from all over the world to learn about the work she lovingly spent 30 years cultivating. I slept under her roof, shared meals, did chores, worked at both her clinic and the Rainforest Remedies factory all while listening to stories that made my internship a once in a lifetime experience. Daily walks through the rainforest connected me with the plants and animals of the region. Traveling through the country on my days off connected me to the culture. Most importantly, I learned many of the traditions of Maya spiritual healing from Dr. Arvigo as they were passed down to her by a native shaman named Don Elijio Panti.http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/10/world/eligio-panti-103-maya-healer-with-modern-ties.html
I will always be grateful to Dr. Arvigo for her generous and benevolent mentorship and friendship.
Along with my professional studies, I have invested much time and money in continuing education which includes pre & post natal massage, lymphatic drainage, visceral manipulation, and compassionate birthing techniques. I completed a semester at The New Seminary in NYC, an interfaith ministry, before it closed in 2011. My interest in body, mind and spirit is tied into my belief that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience; therefore, health is a tri-fold matter that requires a holistic approach.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Charleston, SC. My other credentials include teaching anatomy & physiology of herbal medicine at One World Healing Arts Institute, being an honorary staff member of integrative practices at WNC OB-GYN, running a modest but successful private practice in downtown Asheville for over ten years and co-founding a successful burlesque troupe in Asheville, NC called The Rebelles in which I directed, performed and co-created many sold out multi-media productions for five years.
In the spring of 2011, I moved to the magical city of New Orleans, renowned for it’s history, music and culture. Out on the fringe, I am still learning new things… after all, isn’t life all about learning and growing? I am currently an avid swing dancer, blog writer and launching a new enterprise called Big Izzy Productions. Thank you for reading my biography, and please don't hesitate to contact me for any and all services. I sincerely look forward to working with you.
Isabelle Guzman, BFA, LMBT LA #5786
Licensed and insured member of NAMT (National Association of Masssage Therapists)
