Annette Shellenbarger, RN, BSN, AWP, LMT, MA

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER & VEDIC ASTROLOGER AT CHANDRA AYURVEDA

Hi, I am Annette Shellenbarger and the founder of Chandra Ayurveda. I have devoted over 23 years of study in the Vedic Sciences, including Ayurveda, Yoga, and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), and over 30 years in the field of health, wellness and preventative medicine.  

My journey with Ayurveda begun in 2000 while I was still a Registered Nurse at George Washington University Hospital, on an Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.  After more than a decade of working in the hospital setting, I realized that the Western modality of chasing symptoms, not focusing on prevention, and not finding the root cause of disease was never truly curing the patient, but instead was leaving them dependent on pharmaceuticals and with very few answers.

The Western medical model was in many ways flawed and unable to help people truly heal completely – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Western Medicine chases symptoms, not the root cause and effect.

It was during this time that I discovered Ayurveda – I felt like I had arrived home. Everything I was being taught through this ancient holistic medical system resonated with me fully, it made so much sense. Ayurveda was the missing link I was looking for in preventing disease, removing pain from the body, reducing stress and anxiety, strengthening immunity, and improving overall sense of wellbeing.

These teachings resonated deep in my soul, the missing piece that the world needed to hear to allow their own healing process to take place.

In 2003 I began my studies in Ayurveda at Kerala Academy, later transferred to California College of Ayurveda where I completed all my academic studies for the Doctor of Ayurveda Program.  I then transferred back to Kerala Academy, in Milpitas, California, to complete my Practitioner training and  Internship requirements.

I have since opened my own Ayurvedic clinic and spa, gone on to complete my massage license requirements, Marma Therapy certification, Herbal Rasayana (rejuvenation) certification, and my year long Pancha Karma Specialist Certification at Kerala Academy.

My focus is to bring long-term balance and health to all my clients, which range from next-door neighbors to yogis in Europe. I love bridging Western and Eastern healing modalities, and restoring Ayurveda to its authentic, spiritual and most effective roots, applying Ayurveda as a complimentary system of well being, health, and spirituality.

I also work with western doctors to support clients and provide a well rounded, holistic system of healing. I teach and lecture at yoga studios, hospitals, community centers, and have a successful online program teaching Ayurveda to medical professionals, health coaches, yoga teachers, Registered Dietitians, and functional medicine doctors.

Most importantly, I love the one on one connection I get to have with my clients through my  Ayurvedic body treatments, my Ayurvedic consultations,  and the powerful transformation that occurs as they discover their own healing potential.

Ayurveda is a living, breathing system, and when you begin applying it to your own life, the potential of healing and bringing balance back into your system is endless.