Biography:
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA., Kasha has dedicated her life to the study of health through a multitude of healing modalities. Kasha's curiosity in energy began at the age of 9 as she developed an interest in body mechanics by training as a track and field athlete. Through this training grew a great appreciation for the way the body moves and uses energy. Over the next 12 years of running track Kasha spent some time studying and training at the esteemed Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. alongside the country's young elite athletes. This opportunity allowed Kasha to experience a new level of the body's potential.
At the age of 18, Kasha began studying "Qi" or "life force" as it is related to strength in physical movement and internal harmony. Martial Arts was her introduction to using Qi in action and began training in Northern Shaolin Leopard Fist and Southern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Sombo and Kali-Escrima with Sifu Michael MacDonald of the Channel Islands Martial Arts club. Five years of this training catalyzed a deep yearning to go to the source of these art forms.
After graduating from UCSB in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and with a fluency in Mandarin Chinese, Kasha began studying and exploring China for the next two years. While living in Guang Zhou China, Kasha taught English as a second language to over 1000 students. The first 6 months of her journey was spent studying Northern Shaolin Wu Shu from a Shaolin Monk named Zhang Shifu who was on sabbatical. For the next year and a half, Kasha studied with Sifu Lo of the Hang Mo Tong studio. She learned Choi Le Fot, Hong Gar Martial Arts as well as Qi Gong and Ba Gua internal Qi cultivation exercises and began to learn how the movement of Qi in the body could have a significant affect on health. Kasha's studies also included a wide variety of Chinese art forms such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, calligraphy, poetry and Cantonese language.
After returning to the states, Kasha continued to practice the various forms of Kung Fu for a total of 10 years of Martial Arts training and briefly taught a womens self defense class. Kasha also began studying bodywork at the Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute where she had the opportunity to work hands on with clients. This set the stage for Kasha to apply her knowledge and skills to serve others. Simultaneously, she began studying Kriya and Kundalini Yoga with various swami's which gave her a totally new perspective on the nature of energy and the spirit. Kasha combined everything that she knew about energy and healing and opened a private massage practice in Santa Barbara. After several years in private practice she felt drawn to continue a formal education and broaden her abilities. In 2004 she graduated with a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine and licensed in 2005 by the California state board.
Kasha has studied with numerous masters and energy healers from all over the globe. Kasha's diverse background and continuous desire to awaken shows her dedication and commitment to assisting others in their journey. More recently, she has studied spiritual awakening with Anamika PhD in Malibu, CA. For 5 years. Her intensive apprenticeship with Anamika has more fully awakened her energy reading and channeling abilities which she blends with acupuncture (including esoteric acupuncture), Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, cosmetic and electro-acupuncture, sound healing and several forms of bodywork such as Swedish, Shiatsu, cranial sacral, and foot reflexology to create a unique healing style.
Kasha is currently working at "Passages Malibu" in-patient, polysubstance rehabilitation center, running a private practice in Santa Monica, CA., and writing a book about her experiences in China. Some hobbies and interests include surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding, nature hiking, kayaking, Capoeira, playing native american flute, didgeridoo, flamenco guitar, creative writing, traveling and backpacking.
Education/Experience:
Education:
Apprentice: to Anamika Ph.D. in Spiritual awakening, counseling and energy channeling from 2002 to 2007
Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine: MSOM (Master of Science, Oriental Medicine)
Fulfilled a total of 2,900 didactic and clinical hours: Courses included in depth Acupuncture theory, technique, heritage, practice management, Chinese herbology, Western medical science, Doann’s long and short form Shiatsu, Chinese Tui Na plus clinical practice.
2001-2004
The Body Therapy Institute: 200 hour massage technician certification course in Swedish massage, Shiatsu, pregnancy massage, foot reflexology -1998 / Cranial Sacral certification course 2004
Apprentice: 1) Master Luo Guo Hua: Studied and practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi Gong, Ba Gua, Choi Le Fot, and Hong Gar Qi cultivation exercises and martial arts. 1995-1997. 2) Master Zhang of the Song Shan Shaolin temple. (1995 only) Studied and practiced Northern Shaolin Wu Shu
University of California, Santa Barbara: Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy, emphasis in ethics and public policy. 1992-1995
Experience:
Spiritual Counselor: “Passages Malibu” in-patient polysubstance abuse rehabilitation center. Clients are addressed at the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels using a multi-modality approach to wellness. 2005-current
Private Practice: Including Acupuncture (esoteric, electro and cosmetic) Moxibustion, Gua Sha, Cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, Nutrition, and several forms of bodywork. 2005-current
Intern: “Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine.” Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, and prescribed Chinese herbal formulas to patients at SBCOM’s low cost community clinic. 2001-2004
Massage Therapist: Swedish massage, Shiatsu, deep tissue, foot reflexology, pregnancy massage, cranial sacral and lymphatic drainage. 1998-2004