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Ayurvedic Wellness Counseling & Education in Lakewood, Ohio
"Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities." -William Bridges
I view my role as your Ayurvedic support system as an embodied listener and dot-connector, reflecting your experience back to you and providing you with holistic perspectives to help you navigate imbalances. My approach to Ayurvedic counseling is educational, curious, and playful. The belief that Ava Leben Ayurveda upholds is that life is meant to be joyful, not rigid; there are times for indulgence and there are times for moderation, but the rules of wellbeing are not severe and regimented. Wellbeing is exploratory.
Ayurvedic Wellness Counseling is an opportunity to get curious about how your unique systems function, to share what you know about the way your systems express, and to learn ways in which you can support yourself (physically, mentally, emotionally) with regularity and clarity.
Your healing is is your hands at the end of the day.
The goal of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic practices is to achieve Svastha, embodiment of the Self. Essentially, this is when we are able to pick up on our own cues and respond to them accordingly.
What Ayurveda can do for us is show us methodical ways to logically reinforce our intuitive, feeling nature. Once we have obtained or remembered the informaiton, however, it is up to the individual to apply it to their life.
Ava is not a doctor, as she holds no medical degree.
Ava is not a healer, as only the divine can perform miraculous healing acts.
Ava is simply a guide, an educator, a curious and caring human who has experienced the transformative impacts of living Ayurveda firsthand in her own life. It is her deepest desire to share what she knows and encourage others to find their way as she has done. Your capacity to live well is boundless, so long as you simply continue to show up for yourself and do your best.
Massage Therapy, Bodywork, and Ayurveda at the Willow Room Collective in Lakewod, Ohio
Whether you're looking for seasonal guidance, wellness support, integrative massage, or a combination of these offerings, Ava Leben Ayurveda provides flexible and adaptive care to meet your needs every time.
To learn more about session structure and pricing, follow me.
Ayurvedic Offerings & TreatmentsAyurvedic ConsultationSeasonal Check-InAbhyanga: full body oil massageAbhyanga & Swedana: full body oil massage with steam therapyKati Basti: low back oil treatmentJanu Basti: knee oil treatmentShiro Abhyanga: head/scalp oil massageMukha Abhyanga: face oil massageHeart to Hand: hrid basti (heart oil treatment) with arm and hand oil massageNabhi Abhyanga: abdomen oil massagePada Abhyanga: foot oil massage (with foot bath)
Treatment Specialties Include
Migraines / Headaches
TMJ / Tongue tie
Digestive issues (including IBS, GERD, SIBO, and Ulcerative Colitis)
Skin conditions (including cystic acne, dermatitis, and eczema)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
Anxiety and Nervous system hypermobility
Adrenal fatigue / Adrenal burnout
Immunodeficiencies / Autoimmune disorders
Insomnia and/or Brain fog
Joint pain
Sciatica / Piriformis Syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Treatment Modalities Include
CranioSacral Therapy
MyoFascial Release Therapy
Intraoral Massage and Fascia Release
Massage Therapy
Trigger Point Release Therapy
Marma Therapy / Reflexology
Reiki energywork
Guided visualization and/or breathwork
Abhyanga (oil massage therapy)
Swedana (therapeutic steam-induced sweating)
Basti (external oil retention therapy)
Ayurvedic Counseling and Education
Treatment Location
The Willow Room Collective
15810 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
*Please enter through the breezeway. The charming cottage door in front remains closed to maintain the privacy and peace of my sessions. Thank you!
To learn more about The Willow Room, follow me.
Your lived experience & personal perspective is invaluable.
ॐ सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
A common misconceptions about counseling is that the client knows nothing while the practitioner knows everything. The truth is that the client actually holds nearly every key to every door that lies behind every question they are seeking answers to.
Ava Leben Ayurveda believes in spaces cultivated for the purpose of multi-directional education. Everyone is a student and everyone is a teacher. The wisdom you already hold is just as valuable as the wisdom of your practitioner.
Understanding Ayurveda's Roots
It is widely understood that there are four Vedas (collections of knowledge): the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda. Many believe that Ayurveda comes from the Rig Veda, which is considered to be the oldest known human compilation of wisdom. The Rig Veda dates back to roughly 3,000 BCE.
Maharishi Charaka, who lived between 150 AD and 100 BC, is known as the "Father of Ayurveda." His world-renowned contribution to Indian medicine and Ayurveda is called the Charaka Samhita, a collection of wisdom that teaches the use of foundational logic in order to diagnose and treat patients through valid observation and reasoning as well as the numerous healing proterties and used from over 2,000 herbs.
When we talk about getting back to our roots to cultivate the circumstances for a more natural approach to healing, Ayurveda is at the forefront of the conversation. The focus and foundation of this timeless way of life is Earth wisdom, making it one of the most versitile and accessible pathways back to the Self, to Svastha. It is a core belief in Ayurveda that all health and healing begins when one can truly reside comfortably in their body without resistance.
The Real Reason Why Hypermobile Nervous Systems Are Problematic
Residing in our body--meaning that we are able to be still enough to recognize and bear witness to any thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise--can sometimes be quite uncomfortable. For one reason or another, it is common for our focus to get pulled to the perimeter, resulting in a mind-body disconnect that severs our awareness of how we truly feel.
It is this lack of feeling-into or, at times, a lack of the language to describe what is being felt that leads us to making decisions that are not supportive, that do not align with our Constitution. This separation from our intuition and deeper knowing is precicely what Ayurveda aims to address. Because, as we understand it, the most common cause of disease and imbalance is Pragyaparadh, "mistaken intellect."
Oftentimes, the reason why we make choices that we know are not in alignment is because our nervous system is hypermobilized, unregulated to the point that we just want to do/have/eat the thing that will bring us the most comfort in that moment, despite the fact that it's not in our best interest. Whether we realize it or not, these small actions against ourselves can seed imbalance on a deep level and leave us feeling confused, disconnected, and discouraged.
The importance of tending to our nervous systems becomes clear when we remember that we are the ultimate champions of our choices, and that our choices either bring us closer to or farther away from our true nature. When our nervous system is at ease, we are much more resources to make decisions that bring us closer to ourselves and to the goal of Svastha.
"There is no need to run outside for better seeing, nor to peer from a window. Rather, abide at the center of your being, for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see: the way to do is to be." -Lao Tzu
Achieving Embodiment According to Ayurveda
Svastha is achieved through intentional work which repairs and supports Agni (digestive fire, our capacity to process and metabolize food, emotions, and experiences), eliminates Ama (toxicity, anything undigested in the body or mind) and Prana (the energy we get from the Sun, our “life-force” and enlivening Spirit). When these three pillars are healthy, we are then able to sustain Ojas, our vitality.
Humanity's Oldest Known System of Medicine & Healing
Ayurveda is a system of medicine and preventative care that has been in practice for at least five-thousand years. Ayurveda—which translates as “life knowledge” or “life science”—was originally shared as an oral tradition, but the ancient Indian texts from which our current understanding of Ayurveda today is derived are referred to as the Vedas.
Ayurveda is a simple Earth-based science that takes away the guesswork and enables those who understand its teachings to implement solutions for health and wellbeing by using foundational logic.
One who practices Ayurveda lives with the understanding that humans are of the Earth and therefore are subject to the same laws as Nature; the integral pillar of Ayurveda is, “Like increases like, opposites balance.” It is this simplicity of breaking wellbeing and illness down to their core functionalities that enables one to truly understand their body and their mind, lending itself to more thorough and rational problem-solving to achieve homeostasis.
Ayurvedic practices include breath-work (pranayama), yoga, eating a variety of healing herbs and spices, meditation, marma therapy, and much more. Ultimately, each person will have their own unique Ayurvedic lifestyle, as no two people are identical in their human experience. Ayurveda is about understanding the ancient wisdom and being able to determine how it will be used to foster the health and well-being of each individual.
Your Story Is Asking To Be Told
In clinical practice, an astonishing yet humble reminder of our shared humanness returns again and again; no two people have walked the same life path exactly, but the commonalities that tie us together run deep.
The folks that choose Ayurveda (or stumble upon it by happenstance or divine intervention) have usually exhausted all their options and are still seeking that certain something to help them feel better, more whole, more themselves. It's common for clients to come in for Ayurvedic counseling because they're experiencing a sense of exhaustion, frustration, or hopelessness on top of the weight of feeling unheard, unseen, and invalidated.
Ayurveda is not a magic pill for anyone's woes, but it is a timeless way of percieving the world around us that has the capacity to drastically shift our human experience for the better. All it requires of us is our patience, dedication, and compassion for ourselves as we explore navigating life through this new lens.
We Leave No Stone Unturned
As your personal dot-connector, Ava is passionate about discovering all the ways in which you are unable to fully digest your life. Using Ayurvedic understanding of the human body, we can ask the right questions by framing our human experience as a micro-expression of the entire Universe.
Ayurveda is an Earth-based system of medicine, much like Traditional Chinese Medicine is (and indeed, there is quite a lot of crossover and similar thinking, though the two systems are different). Because of this, Ayurveda helps us remember that there can be no healing if we are disconnected from Nature, because we are Nature.
Ayurvedic Counseling, Is It Right For You?
If you feel as though you have tried everything and still there is a whisper from within you, telling you that something is “off” regarding your health and happiness, Ayurveda might be the way forward for you.
What Ayurveda offers is a comprehensive understanding of the way you are and why through its wisdom of the Elements, the natural world, and the human body's connection to both.
The process of healing through Ayurveda requires patience, consistency, and most of all, compassion for the Self. True health cannot be bought and sold, but rather it is recovered and revealed. Ayurvedic practices work to help you re-establish your connection to your body and the Earth and circumnavigate Samskaras, old mental and emotional patterns that keep you from being who you truly are at your core.
When you feel that you can dedicate time and energy to your healing process, and when you know that it’s time to look at your wellbeing in a new light, Ayurvedic Wellness Counseling is for you.
Who this work is intended for
My approach to bodywork and wellness counseling is particularly suited for people who are...
Struggling to make sense of their health and cultivate supportive routines
Suffering from digestive upset due to either physical imbalance or nervous system hypermobility
Experiencing complex conditions and/or chronic pain
Desiring full-spectrum care that fosters reconnections within the body and mind
As a part of your healthcare team, I take a multi-disciplinary approach that includes physical assessment and in-depth conversations that explore the many facets of your being. By navigating your health challenges with an open mind and a blend of Western and Eastern perspectives, we can collaborate on care that reaches beyond dismissive diagnoses and placating perscriptions.
All of your experiences are valid here and the varying ways we understand these experiences--how our bodies organize around them--are all welcome.
Who you will be working with
Ava Leben Wentzel Shively (she/they)
When my mother was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in her early thirites, my young mind was suddenly percieving a new world in which even those who appear healthy can be experiencing internal imbalances whether or not they are consciously aware of it. This formative experience seeded a new paradigm for my curiosity to shine through:
If there is more to our health than meets the eye, how can we seek for and approach problems proactively instead of waiting for them to develop over time?
After nearly 10 years of practice, I have learned that my inquisitiveness and intuition are the tools needed to do this preliminary work of revealing what lies beneath the surface so that we can witness it and offer it the space to evolve.
The care you receive from me is steeped in the kinetic comprehension of the nervous systems, making my work slow and subtle in nearly every way. Whether we are exploring fascia tension in your body or cultivating and restructuring new routines to support your mental wellbeing, patience is the new perscription. I'm grateful (always) for my clients who not only trust in me, but who trust in the process of their own unfolding. It is a joy and an honor to be your witness and guide through these homecomings.
To read more about my personal struggle with chronic digestive upset and adult acne before Ayurveda found me and changed my personal and professional practice, follow me.
Schedule your appointment. Integrative bodywork, Massage therapy, and Ayurvedic counseling in Lakewood, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Billing and Scheduling
Do you take insurance?
Currently, I am able to accept HSA payments for all sessions.The Willow Room also offers Pay Later through our Vagaro booking system, which eneables you to make 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks time. You can sign up for pre-approval ahead of time in your Vagaro account. Please reach out to info@willowroomsalon.com if you have questions or need assistance.In a perfect world, integrative and holistic healthcare would be accessible to everyone. However, because I do not take insurance, there are fewer limitations on the work we can do together. Less restrictions due to predetermined conditions of insurance means that I can utilize the full scope of my skills to curate comprehensive and intentional care.If your healthcare plan covers out-of-network providers, we are happy to provide you with whatever you may need for reimbursement.
How much does a session cost?
Session cost is based on an hourly pricing model of $125/hour.
How can I schedule appointments?
All appointments can be scheduled online through Vagaro. You can either download the Vagaro app for your mobile device or access Vagaro online in any web browser. Once you make your Vagaro account, you can easily schedule and fill out any necessary forms before your session.You can also easily reschedule or cancel your sessions through Vagaro. To set up your Vagaro account and schedule your next session, head to Book a Session.
I'm a new client--what session should I book?
If you are a new client, please schedule a New Client Consultation the first time you come in to work with me.
What to Expect
I'm a new client--what does the first session look like?
New Client Consultations are first and foremost an opportunity for me to get to know you and garner a deeper understanding of your lived experiences, your health challenges, and your wellness goals. Initial sessions help me get a better understanding of why you have come in for care.I will ask questions that give me a more detailed picture of your life and how you are impacted by your external environment and then offer my perspective and understanding of your situation. I will give you an idea of what treatment plan I think may be helpful for you moving forward.Do not feel pressured or stressed to put all of the information on the table during your first session; trust that over time, through our sessions and as our relationship develops, the important pieces will come to light at the right time.
How frequently should I come in for a session?
Session frequency depends on the individual. We will work together to settle on a session plan that works for you. Treatment plans are also flexible and can often change over time. You are never locked into a certain frequency, as your plan is personal and should reflect your needs as they evolve over time.
What should I wear to a session?
You can wear anything you'd like when you come in for your sessions, but if we are going to be doing any bodywork or Ayurvedic treatments you may want to dress comfortably so that you feel at ease and unrestricted after your session.If you know you are coming in for Abhyanga and Swedana, you may want to bring a change of underclothes as they may become stained from the oil or damp from the steam treatment.
What modalities do you offer?
The modalities I use include craniosacral therapy, myofascial release therapy, massage therapy, trigger point release, marma therapy and reflexology, and reiki energywork. I also utilize my Ayurvedic expertise and experience to intentionally choose oils, offer recommendations, and curate supportive lifestyle routines over time that are personal to you and your needs.
Health Considerations
What conditions / health challenges do you commonly work with?
I frequently work with clients who are experiencing:
Migraines / Headaches
TMJ / Tongue tie
Digestive issues (including IBS, GERD, SIBO, and Ulcerative Colitis)
Skin conditions (including cystic acne, dermatitis, and eczema)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
Anxiety and Nervous system hypermobility
Adrenal fatigue / Adrenal burnout
Immunodeficiencies / Autoimmune disorders
Insomnia and/or Brain fog
Joint pain
Sciatica / Piriformis Syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
If you are not experiencing any of the health chalenges above, please know that you are still welcome to work with me! You do not need to be experiencing pain or discomfort to benefit from Intagrative Bodywork and Ayurveda therapies. I believe deeply in the power of preventative care and there is no prerequisite to receiving my care.
Is your approachrigt for me?
My approach is particularly suited for those who are open to new ways of viewing and navigating their health because I take a full-systems approach. This means that I don't look at anything you're experiencing in isolation. As a result, many people find that the work we do together fills the gaps that are left open from other treatments. I want to try to connect the dots with you so that no piece of your experience sticks out and goes unaddressed.
By working on your fascia health, managing your stress levels, and cultivating a more supportive lifestyle (just to name a few things we do together) you may find that other treatments you may be involved in begin to have more of an effect. This impact cannot be guaranteed, but my clients often feel a true sense of validation and relief that lasts far beyond the session room and impacts other aspects of their daily life.
Adaptiveness is a part of my work, and when your needs change you can trust your treatment to adjust to you in real time. Sessions should never feel one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter, or stale. They are responsive to your individual, evolutionary experience.
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Ava Leben Ayurveda, LLC | Integrative Bodywork & Ayurveda Therapy
The Willow Room Collective | 15810 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
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