CLINICAL AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER & VEDIC ASTROLOGER AT CHANDRA AYURVEDA
Hi, I am Annette Shellenbarger and the founder of Chandra Ayurveda. I have devoted over 17 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.
Working with Annette is such a gift! Whether or not you are familiar with Vedic Astrology, I guarantee you will walk away having learned so much about yourself and the essentials of this beautiful science. Annette is very knowledgeable, thorough, and clear when she shares her information. I have booked two separate sessions with her and each time her insights and guidance have resonated with me. I also really appreciate her quick response time when I’ve asked questions for clarity, post-session. I look forward to continued guidance from Annette Astrology! If you’re considering a reading/session, I highly recommend it.”A.Machado, Holistic Wellness Guide
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Vedic Astrologer – Science of Light, Nevada City, CA
Parāśara Jyotiṣa Course with Pandit Sanjay Rath
Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner – Kerala Academy, Milpitas, CA
Certified Pancha Karma Practitioner – Kerala Ayurveda, Milpitas, CA
Clinical Ayurveda Specialist – California College of Ayurveda, Nevada City, CA
Ayurvedic Health Counselor – California College of Ayurveda, Nevada City, CA
Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations – Kerala Ayurveda, Milpitas, CA
Ayurvedic Skin and Beauty – Kerala Ayurveda, Milpitas, CA
Ayurvedic Facial & Scalp Marma Rejuvenation Massage- Diamond Way Ayurveda with Melanie Sachs, California
Quantum Cranial Sound Healing & Vibrational Medicine with John Beaulieu
Licensed Massage Therapist #MA96416 – State of Florida
Certified Massage Therapist #82255 – State of California
Massage School – IPSB at Life Energy Institute, Los Angeles, CA
Marma Therapist – California College of Ayurveda, Nevada City, CA
Ayurvedic Facials – California College of Ayurveda, Nevada City, CA
BSN – Marymount University
MA – University of Maryland
BS – University of Houston
Registered Yoga Teacher
MEMBERSHIPS
NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association)
Ayurveda Association of Florida
Annette’s nursing career and experience include Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Pulmonary Care, Kidney Transplant, Trauma/Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, and Public Health Nursing.
Currently, Annette is continuing her spiritual studies in Vedic Astrology in the tradition of Śrī Achyutānanda Dasa of Kaliñga (Orissa), India, a tradition originating from the Pancha Sakha of Śrī Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Annette has recently moved from Long Beach, California, to Bradenton, Florida, and consults with clients both in person and online.
