About Isabelle Guzman

Life is beautiful. We live in a paradise where miracles happen every second, and all we have to do is stay present. To experience the beauty and abundance of this planet while spreading joy...relating to others...aiming for the proverbial "One Love"...that's why I'm here. As a licensed massage and bodywork therapist for women, I emphasize strong ethics and a down to Earth approach. A list of my credentials can be found at the bottom of the page. It does not include some of my most important teachers and achievements because that list would fill a book. I am devoted to education, and I hope to continue learning and sharing for as long as I am able.

And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,--seeking the spheres, to connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form'd - till the ductile anchor hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

   - Whitman

In my practice today, I combine some of the older traditions with contemporary research to give clients a well rounded approach to health and healing. I encourage people to become self empowered in their own healing process because naturally, we can only help those who wish to help themselves. It is with gratitude that I promote unity through my work. I envision a world that shares one medicine. By encouraging tolerance and acceptance, I hope to bring this vision into being.

Thank you for reading this website. Be well. Schedule your massage appointment today!

My Internship

I spent three and a half months living with Dr. Rosita Arvigo at her home in San Ignacio, Cayo Belize. As part of our arrangement, I was an instructor at the Ix Chel School of Massage, the first and only school for massage therapy in the country. I observed Dr. Arvigo daily as she treated patients from all walks of life. On the weekends I taught bodywork to the students ( all were Belizean citizens ) at the massage school. I also worked in Dr. Arvigo’s factory “Rainforest Remedies” which was in neighboring Santa Elena. Under the direction and supervision of a native Mayan woman, Ruth, and a young Guatemalan man, Pablo, I learned how many indigenous plants are used to treat common ailments ranging from the common cold to high blood pressure. At Dr.Arvigo’s home my mornings were spent quietly studying from one of the many books in her prolific library. After breakfast I would spend at least an hour or two walking in the rich rainforest which surrounded her property known locally as “Ix Chel Farm” and properly named after the Mayan goddess of love, healing, weaving, and childbearing.

 

"I have received massage therapy from Isabelle for over 5 years and have a deep respect for the work she does. As a healer she is a standout, striving to incorporate whatever therapeutic modality best suits her clients' needs.  Isabelle offers an abundance of knowledge, a warm heart and strong soul, and the firm touch to soothe and heal."
Linda Meyer-Peyroux


"Massage with Isabelle is my time away to be pampered. Isabelle tunes into my body and never fails to know just what it needs. When I leave her office I am not only relaxed and calm for the next few hours but that state permeates the rest of my week. I'd give up chocolate before I give up my bimonthly massages with Isabelle, especially the hot stone ones."
Anita Owenby

Many different groups would travel to Cayo for workshops that Dr. Arvigo facilitated. As her personal assistant, I would act as a liaison between Dr. Arvigo and the participants, handling any matter that did not directly pertain to the lecture material. After an intense, weeklong workshop she would insist that I take a break from our fellowship to explore Belize and to refresh my energy. These short excursions were a much obliged blessing. I was able to travel alone by public bus to various towns and villages throughout Belize without harassment or fear. It was empowering and insightful to relate with people from all parts of Central America, Africa, and Europe. In conclusion, my internship gave me more than I could have hoped for or imagined. It also provided me with inspiration to continue my understanding of the relationship between plants and ethnology and for the opportunity to be of service to people of a beautiful culture. My allegiance to Dr. Arvigo remains heartfelt and steadfast.


Credentials

  • BFA, College of Charleston, SC
  • Certificate of Completion, Center for Massage & Natural Health, NC
  • National Certification in Massage and Bodywork Therapy
  • State License in Massage and Bodywork Therapy, NC # 02711
  • Continuing Education in Pre & Post Natal Massage, NC
  • Continuing Education in Lymphatic Massage, NC
  • Certificate of Completion, Southeastern Center for Herbal Healing, NC
  • Certified in The Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Massage
  • Internship with Dr. Rosita Arvigo, Belize
  • Massage & Bodywork Instructor, Ix Chel School of Massage, Belize
  • Instructor and community educator in Herbal studies & Ethnobotany (various schools) NC
  • Professional Advisory Committee Member, Center for Massage & Natural Health
  • Alternative healthcare staff member at WNC OB / GYN, NC