About Melanie’s Practice
Practicing Vedic astrology in conjunction with the wisdom systems of ayurveda and yoga offers clients a holistic approach to life-direction, health and well-being. I’m certified by the Council of Vedic Astrology, the American College of Vedic Astrology and graduated from the California College of Ayurveda. In addition, I teach the Ayurveda portion in the 500-hour Advanced Teacher Program at Pacific Yoga in Seattle, Washington. I’m an advanced Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher® with 20 years of experience.
I’ve been practicing as a licensed as a massage therapist since 1993 in Washington State and have been providing patient care for 19 years. I specialize in Marma therapy and injury rehabilitation.
I’m the former president of the Washington State Astrological Association, continuing member of the Council of Vedic Astrologers, professional practitioner member in the National Ayurvedic Medicine Association and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Read more about Melanie’s philosophy of care.
About Melanie
Yoga came to me while growing up in the Kansas City area, in middle and high school. In college, I practiced with Kundalini teachers in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan, learning about vegetarian diets and ayurvedic self-care practices.
After graduation with a BA in Art and a specific interest in landscape painting, I exhibited in Kansas City galleries and managed an artist and engineering materials store. Moving to Seattle in 1985, I worked for Daniel Smith Artist Materials and lived in Pioneer Square, painting and showing art. During this time, my interest turned toward shamanism, healing and it’s application in art and painting.
I trained with Richard Schactel, completing the Seattle Center for Yoga teacher training program in 1994 and studied with Adil Palkhivala – Yoga Centers in Bellevue WA., completing his teacher program in 1995. In addition, I have a background as a personal strength and fitness trainer and in 1993, graduated from the Brian Utting Massage School.
I’ve taught yoga classes for the greater Seattle area YMCAs and from a West Seattle yoga cooperative in 1994-96. In 1997, I opened West Seattle Yoga and Ayurveda and began formal Ayurveda training in 1998 at the California College of Ayurveda, commuting from Seattle to Nevada City, CA, for the two-year clinical program. After graduation, I trained in Rishikesh, India (2000-2001) and became a Panchakarma technician.
I was awarded title Jyotish Kovid in 2011 through the Council of Vedic Astrology, having been awarded the title of Jyotisha Visharada in 2007.
I opened my Pioneer Square office in 2009 after closing the West Seattle studio in 2008. During this time, I served as President of the Washington State Astrological Association- 2008-2009.
I honor and have great gratitude for my teacher, Dennis Flaherty and all those teachers before him, who have carried forward, the traditions of Jyotish, ayurveda and yoga, into our lives, so that we may learn and share the divine Light of conscious mind.
Blessings- Premajyoti
Melanie
