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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, 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.
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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.
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.
