Heal and Soul: A New Yet Familiar Place for Yoga in Encino

Heal and Soul is both a familiar place and a new place, at 16545 Ventura Blvd. (suite #25); and a simple explanation from the new owner, Eva Monarrez, will help you understand the site's transition.

"Heal and Soul is the official name," Monarrez said, "but it is usually known as Heal and Soul Yoga and Tai Chi."

Along with offering the popular yoga, Monarrez said "Tai Chi is hard to find in the area and we're one of the places that (teaches it); we offer beginning and advanced, in Chen and Yang style; in short form and long form."

About being a new place in a familiar place: Monarrez took over the location just three months ago, but it was originally established over two years ago by the founder who she bought it from, Dr. Kim of the Encino Accupuncture and Herbs Center. Kim and a business partner started the yoga studio to complement his main practice next door.

Monarrez said that Kim originally opened the studio to teach patients and students "Iyengar" style yoga as it was deemed to be a very safe style of yoga, because instructors were knowledgeable in human anatomy and had to be highly-trained and certified.

Monarrez said doctors in the area referred patients to the original yoga studio because of these methods and philosophy (and patients are still referred there).

She said that the yoga studio became so popular, that Dr. Kim and his partner determined that another person needed to dedicate a full-time effort in running the studio, and that's where Monarrez stepped in.

Monarrez bought the yoga studio three months ago, and said she has "been adding different styles of yoga, and expanding what they started."

Monarrez's background is in business and finance, and she said it was just "by chance" she came across the new business opportunity. Monarrez said that "she studied world religions" in college, and has always been fascinated by the same practices and philosophies that are the foundation of Heal and Soul. Monarrez said "pure fate" brought her here.

Monarrez explained that healing is the central philosophy of the yoga and Tai Chi studio. "Many of our students are doctor recommended;" and they come "to heal from post-surgery, or to heal from chronic pain, or whatever the case may be," Monarrez said.

Monarrez said Heal and Soul's idea is to keep the yoga they offer "in its pure form."

"What we teach is philosophy of what you're doing, why the movements are essential, how energy should flow in that movement, and what the origins are of that particular style of yoga (a student) is learning." Monarrez said. "We teach the pure essence of that style of yoga."

"When you come to a class, you're learning more than just how to do the movement; you're learning the wisdom behind the movement." Monarrez said.

Monarrez referenced some crowd-sourced feedback on Heal and Soul: "You'll see in our Yelp reviews most students love having that wisdom and philosophy about why they're moving the way they're moving."

Monarrez said that other new offerings at Heal and Soul are workshops like "sleep therapy," which use yoga philosophy to help student learn to "shut down the mind." She mentioned another workshop on mind-body healing for people who struggle with recurring weight gain.

"First heal the mind, then the body follows." Monarrez said.

Even new styles of yoga are being introduced at Heal and Soul, Monarrez said. "Kundalini... a style that's new to the Valley, and very popular in most of L.A. like in Hollywood."

 "Kundalini style is about unleashing the power you have in your spine, and unleashing any blocked emotions from past events," Monarrez described. "The vibration of movement and your own voice in that chant, it's very healing, soothing, and a lot of people have healed from trauma, emotional trauma especially, in that style of yoga. It's very special."

Heal and Soul has a staff of about 20 teachers that all teach their own style. Monarrez said that "each style is true to form, and each teacher brings something very unique in what their background is and what their study is."

Monarrez said the teachers come from many different places in Los Angeles, such as "Agape, Golden Bridge, the Ashtanga Center in Silver Lake."

Heal and Soul also offers classes in prenatal and family-oriented yoga classes, as well as "mommy-and-me" type classes.

Monarrez called the class space "intimate" and most classes are made up of six to ten students at a time.  She believes it's a better overall experience for the students to have small class sizes, as the teachers will "know who you are; will know what's happening in your life," as well as "know your name."

She recommends that students reserve space in the popular classes. "If we continue to grow, we'll have more Heal and Souls," Monarrez said.

Monarrez pointed out that Heal and Soul isn't for everybody. But the people who come are "more conscious and aware, and seek more knowledge, more wisdom. (They want) the truth in what they're doing."

And they seek out Heal and Soul.

"If you don't believe you're going to heal, You're not going to heal." Monarrez said. "This is first about healing the mind, which then heals the body, and everything else follows."

Classes are scheduled from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information on classes, promotions and special events, please visit www.healandsoul.com