We had a conversation with Kamalaya co-founder Karina Stewart to talk about the goals behind this award-winning location and how traditional Chinese medicine and cultural ties affect how they present their day-to-day offerings.
What are your husband’s and your husband’s guiding principles in Kamalaya?
The transformational power of Eastern healing and spiritual/philosophical practices of Asia and the Himalayas are fundamental to our core beliefs at Kamalaya.
Kamalaya embodies the insights and knowledge of more than 80 accumulated years of engaging instruction, practice, and commitment to service, drawing from John’s 17 years of religious practice and dedication in the Himalayas and my considerable expertise in various Asian cure traditions, including a MSc in Traditional Chinese Medicine. We know from personal experience that people can undergo serious transformations if they are healthy and spiritual, and that true happiness comes from serving. Kamalaya is a place where people can grow in every aspect of their lives, and it embodies our desire to create a global group dedicated to fostering good change.
How have your cultural and educational background influenced your interest in wellness and well-being?
My deep rooted love for health and wellness is inextricably linked to both my culture and the deep cultural influences that led to it. My mother’s courageous choice, when I was ten years old, to fight terminal cancer with a total lifestyle change and alternative healing traditions, including dieting, movement, nature, meditation, and other serious changes, instilled in me an enduring reverence for the healing philosophies of traditional cultures and mainly the Asiatic traditions. This familial encounter gave me a strong foundation for my sincere admiration and respect for a systematic and preventative approach to treatment and well-being. Additionally, when I traveled to the Himalayas to study with a wonderful moral master and discovered an endless source of wisdom and compassion with him, I eventually came across a Vedic master whose extraordinary health and energy at an advanced age inspired my pursuit of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoism, which affirmed my commitment to a path of healing and spirituality as a means to fulfill our unique ability and offer our gifts, talents, and service to the world. Since I was a child, this environment of healing, wellness, and development has been second nature to me, consistently fostering my passion and devotion to this field.
What factors led to your choice to study Chinese medicine? Is it a solution for everybody?
My encounter with a motivating and renowned Taoist teacher, Master Ni Hua Ching, whose mental clarity, youthful vitality, and radiance defied his age, helped me choose to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Intriguing, I sought his advice and was directed to his books, which led me to Yo San University, California, a school he founded with his two sons and where I earned my master’s degree in TCM. These books led me on my studies of Taoism and ultimately my path to studying Traditional Chinese medicine. TCM has thousands of years of history and evolution, and it provides healing and support for many people and many illnesses with fewer or no side effects, despite the fact that no other form of healing is universally applicable to everyone. TCM also provides a path to recovery from conditions for which allopathic medicine may not yet have discovered a treatment. It is a healing tradition that is well respected in most nations today and has received a lot of research support for it. Additionally, it functions well as a complementary form of medicine that has the potential to significantly improve the outcomes of treatment. Its holistic approach, emphasising balance and harmony within the body, emotions and mind can be tailored to everyone’s unique needs, making it a valuable addition to one’s healthcare regimen. Additionally, it emphasizes prevention and lifestyle, which are very helpful for ensuring our long-term and well-being.
What can your visitors anticipate from their stay at Kamalaya?
Our holistic lifestyle approach to wellness encompasses mind and body, health and soul ( mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing ), with 18 different wellness programmess tailored to address individual goals and needs. From stress management, detox and fitness to women’s health our expert practitioners guide guests on their personal journey to lifelong vitality, wellbeing and fulfilment. Through an immersive experience, our guests are inspired, motivated and empowered to make better choices and become a better version of themselves. Through practices like movement, pranayama and lifestyle education, guests gain resources to navigate life’s challenges and build resilience. Our nurturing environment allows for internal restoration and healing, free from external distractions. As guests shed the weight of stress and toxicity, they gain clarity, vitality and a renewed sense of purpose. When they awaken and re-enter to their true potential, the magic of transformation occurs. At Kamalaya, we invite guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery to the innate source of all healing and creativity, emerging with newfound insights and a renewed perspective.
Do you think you would be particularly suited to help at Kamalaya if there were a particular type of visitor?
We welcome a wide range of guests from all ages ( from 16 onward ) and from all corners of the world. Each guest has a unique perspective on what their objectives and needs are for their immersive experience at Kamalaya, despite the fact that all of our guests are attempting to improve their overall health and well-being. We make a special effort to help people who are making conscious choices in their lives and achieving personal wellness goals as they advance toward lifelong wellness.
Do you have a favourite Kamalaya program? What are the program’s primary characteristics and advantages?
The Kamalaya detox program is a standout offering that emphasizes physical body wash and promotes mental well-being. It’s designed for newcomers and seasoned detox enthusiasts, aiming to deliver a comprehensive health overhaul. The program combines specialized treatments that purify crucial organs with a nutritious detox diet and supportive supplements, ensuring the body is optimally nourished. This holistic approach promotes physical purification and mental clarity, enhancing a strong sense of self-awareness. Participants often experience a host of improvements post-detox, such as better digestive health, reduced bodily toxins, cleaner blood and a revitalised lymphatic system. The outcomes are notably apparent, guests typically emerge feeling lighter, mentally sharp and exhibit vibrant, clear skin, embodying a renewed zest for life.
What is something special about Kamalaya that you adore?
The ancient Arjan cave, which is situated within the resort, is Kamalaya’s most entrancing feature. This historic site, which was once a place for Buddhist monks who were looking for a place to meditate deeply, infuses the surroundings with a profound sense of spirituality and tranquility. The island where Kamalaya is located, known as Koh Samui, is renowned for its distinctive energy, which is thought to support one’s spiritual journey. This is perhaps due to the quartz-rich granite boulders that cover the land and form the cave itself. John and I were especially drawn to this cave, recognising it as the cornerstone for Kamalaya’s creation. Visitors can infer this spiritual power, entangling them in a wave of calm and positive vibrations that enhance their stay. Guest who yearn for access to the monks ‘ cave, a place for contemplation and tranquility, can still use it, ensuring that Kamalaya’s legacy of tranquillity and reflection endures.
Karina Stewart, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer at Kamalaya
Karina Stewart is a renowned expert on holistic health and well-being. An acclaimed speaker, author and innovator, Karina has more than 40 years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. Karina graduated from Yo San University in California with a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she trained in various structural therapies, including yoga, Taoist philosophy, and Cranial-Sacral Manipulation. She received a B. A. in cultural anthropology from Princeton University with a focus on Asian religions.