Jaisri Lambert

Jaisri Lambert has been practicing and teaching natural therapies since l983 after her own debilitating migraine headaches kindled her interest in alternative therapies. Her exploration led her first to Polarity Therapy, in which she became certified in 1985. As interest and demand for classes increased, Jaisri founded the Westcoast Polarity School and later the East-West Polarity School and taught Polarity Therapy internationally.

In 1989 she met renowned Ayurvedic physician and author Vaidya Vasant D. Lad, B.A.M.S., MA.Sc., in Victoria, B.C., an event that deeply influenced her life. “Healing is love plus intelligence”, Dr. Lad taught her, validating her experience that spirituality and physical life are not separate.

Once her migraine syndrome was understood and managed, her study of the broad philosophies of Ayurveda began. Jaisri also observed that as we achieve individual balance, we also realize more spiritual harmony and an inner state of unity that feels natural.

During her twelve-year apprenticeship in classical Ayurveda with Vaidya Vasant Lad she learned about ‘Marma” (trigger point) science. With this understanding, she developed a science of body-based counseling rooted in the Marma science and the philosophy of Ayurveda. This science Dr Lad called ‘Turiya Therapy’, which denotes the transformative nature of this therapy in overcoming the psycho-emotional causes of disease. Turiya Therapy is based on the innovative work of Dr. Randolph Stone, the developer of Polarity Therapy, whose contribution to the understanding of the effects of energy therapy on whole health cannot be underestimated, says Jaisri.

During more than nineteen years of study and practice of Ayurveda, Jaisri has developed a deep knowledge of herbal formulations, individualized wellness programs, bodywork techniques, pulse assessment, Ayurvedic herbology and Panchakarma, which consists of classical cleansing and rejuvenation therapies. In addition to Dr. Lad, her other teachers include Dr. T. Sukumaran of Kerala and Dr. Robert E. Svoboda of Texas, both respected Ayurvedic physicians.

Jaisri has authored many articles and training manuals in Ayurveda and Turiya Therapy, and travels internationally to introduce the theory and practice of this ancient wisdom to the delight and enlightenment of students of all levels.

Now in her mid-50s, Jaisri is an innovative healer who has developed new techniques in Energetic Healing and Invisible Anatomy. Her success is due to the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of Ayurveda and to the public’s sincere search, like her own, for holistic health through natural methods. Her gift of teaching Ayurveda at all levels is unique, bringing this knowledge to students internationally. Jaisri is fluently bilingual, French and English.

Colleen Fraser, RMT

Colleen Fraser is one of the developers of Whistler Healing Arts and the founder and Educational Director of Vida Wellness Spas. For over twenty years she has been an innovator and leader in developing this embodied and integrated approach to health.

Colleen is a Registered MassageTherapist in British Columbia and a certified Ayurvedic Therapist. She is also certified in Myofascial Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, and Cranial Sacral Therapy. She has practiced massage therapy and taught in schools of massage; has helped to establish a school for ayurveda and panchakarma here in Western Canada; and has presented workshops in Hawaii and Western Canada.

Jacinta Mousset-Jones, RMT

Jacinta is one of the developers of Whistler Healing Arts and the summer program Ayurveda in Whistler 2005. As a Registered Massage Therapist in BC since 1996, Jacinta's practice incorporates Ayurvedic Massage, MyoFascial Massage, Neuromuscular massage, and Cranial-Sacral Therapy.

Jacinta has worked in both the spa and therapeutic medical settings, and established a home practice in 2001 to incorporate her passion for massage, Ayurveda and yoga. She was trained in Ayurvedic treatments by Jaisri Lambert which led her to study with Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute, where she obtained her Certification as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant.

Shelley Kowaluk, RMT

Shelley was first introduced to Ayurveda in 1997 while suffering from congestion in her lungs causing difficulty in breathing. After receiving Ayurvedic treatments and following the lifestyle and dietary recommendations, the congestion cleared and her overall health improved dramatically. This experience led her on the path to look for a more efficient way to treat her massage therapy clients through integrating her practice with Ayurveda.

Shelley has completed a two-year program at the Ayurveda Institute in Albuquerque, NM with beloved teacher Dr. Vasant Lad. She has also taken many intensive summer programs with Dr. Lad including Pulse Assessment, Pancha Karma practicum, and Ayuryoga. Previously, she studied Turiya Therapy with Jaisri Lambert. Shelley graduated from the WCCMT (2500 hour diploma) and became a Registered Massage Therapist. She also has a Bachelor in Physical Education from the University of Manitoba. While in Albuquerque, Shelley studied and fell in love with Yoga. She is currently practicing as a Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor in her home town of Dauphin, Manitoba.

Kashi Richardson

Kashi Richardson, a life-long practitioner of yoga, brings a richness and depth of understanding to the practical and spiritual aspects of yoga. Her background includes Advanced teacher Training in Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Therapy with RMIYA in Colorado. Kashi specializes in prenatal yoga and therapeutic yoga for injury and illness. She is a senior instructor for the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga Teacher Training and a full-time yoga teacher in Whistler B.C.

Dr. Dhaval Dhru, M.D.

Dhuval is a retired ENT Surgeon after being in private practice for more than 22 years. He has been board certified in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery by American Board of Otolaryngology as well as Canadian Royal College of Surgeons. He underwent extensive medical training and postgraduate training in India.

Dhuval is very much interested in integrating Western and Ayurvedic medicine. He succesfully completed Ayurvedic Level 1 studies with Dr. Lad at Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico in June 2004 and is currently involved in Ayurvedic Studies Level Two with Dr. Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque. His other interests include Yoga and other exercises as well as racket sports, reading and travelling.

Yogi Akasha

Originally trained in the Sivananda Yoga tradition, Akasha draws from a broad range of traditional yogic wisdom. He has been a devoted student of Yoga, Ayurveda, healing and meditation for over 15 years and has been blessed with the opportunity to live and study with many great teachers in different traditions. He currently teaches in Sweden, Bali and Thailand where he invites students of all backgrounds to develop a deeper sensitivity to their bodies and minds while opening up to their greater potential. As a teacher and world traveler, he has introduced hundreds to the practice and philosophy of yoga as a way of life.

Akasha's Style has often been described as “deep and slow” although anything is possible according to the needs of the students. Delivered gently, yet firmly, the asana and pranayama sequences can be demanding, though students are encouraged to honor their bodies and listen intuitively in order to remain aware and safe. Akasha teaches the essence of yoga, reminding students of their nature, and seeing their perfection despite the perceived limitations. Classes are given in a meaningful way with purpose and caring, yet never fail to challenge.