What's she going on about?

I’ve been thinking and looking for a while for a topic to get me started on a blog for The Balance Center.  And then it occurred to me that I already had a topic...one that is so close to me that I didn’t see it.  For some, this is old news, but for others it may explain why I’ve been all over social media talking about Ayurveda and The Balance Center.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

I was diagnosed when I was 25, after many years of suffering with joint pain and other odd things that I couldn’t every really explain.  Getting my diagnosis felt like the happiest day of my life.  I finally had an explanation for what I had come to jokingly say was just the aches and pains of Kasey being Kasey.  IV Infusions, self-injectables and lots of pills became the norm for me and I was totally OK with it because I finally felt better.  I could get up in the morning without taking 10 minutes just to roll out of bed.  I could walk my dog up and down the hills of San Francisco, sometimes even with a spring in my step.  Heck, I could even jog without pain.  I could be “normal”! 

As with anything, however, the feel-good high wore off as I started to see other things creep up.  I became sick frequently because the medications knocked out my immune system.  I started losing my hair.  I had to travel with an ice pack for my shots and started planning my life around infusions and regular visits to see the doctor.  And finally, I had a pretty serious cancer scare...one major side effects of the medications and something that no one ever really told me could happen.  RA was in control.  I wasn’t. 

A voice in the back of my head started asking if this was really how I was supposed to live my life?

So, I began looking for alternatives.  Something, ANYTHING, that would allow me to keep feeling good without all of these crazy risks and side effects.  Acupuncture, Endermologie, Reiki, Homeopathy, Massage, Acupressure...I tried it all.  And with each treatment,  I would feel better temporarily and I certainly learned a lot about Alternative Medicine.  But nothing was quite “it”.  Then, I found Ayurveda, the Science of Life.  Or rather, I like to say Ayurveda found me. And, at the risk of sounding campy, my life was forever changed. 

Fast forward 2 years and I am now completely medication and pain free.  I live a healthy, active lifestyle and, with 2 boys (ages 6 and 4), I really can’t imagine life if I didn’t feel this good.

I decided to study this ancient healing science, become a certified counselor, and use that information to help others - those with chronic conditions such as mine, in addition to people just looking to live a healthier, happier life.

Much more to come, but at least now you may understand why I never seem to shut up about The Balance Center and, of course, Ayurveda.