We recently connected with Joanna Yanez and have shared our conversation below.
Joanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
I started working in a holistic raw foodist detox center doing abdominal massage. Back then, abdominal massage was not as well known as it is today. It was difficult finding a job in my specialty of sobada de martiz (womb massage) and abdominal massage. The colon hydro therapists LOVED when their clients saw me for an abdominal massage before their colonic because, they would have such greats results during their treatment. This inspired me to create a specialized treatment we offer called Detox Abdominal Therapy.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am the founder of Rebirth, a womb wellness center in San Diego. I am a certified massage therapist, herbalist and sobadora. A sobadora is someone who practices Mexican indigenous forms of bodywork. I specialize in women’s health, offering sobada de matriz (womb massage also known as fertility massage or Mayan abdominal massage,) abdominal therapy for digestive health and tilted uterus. I also offer herbal vaginal steam baths, herbal consultations, cupping therapy, pregnancy massage, Labor preparation massage, placenta encapsulation, and postnatal abdominal therapy. I have a deep appreciation and understanding for Mexican indigenous healing practices for women, birth and postnatal healing but also understanding of anatomy, physiology and love to integrate both in my healing sessions.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The last time you interviewed me, in 2017. I didn’t tell you at the time, but I had just undergone a second trimester pregnancy loss with my son, who’s name was Rain. I was going through a tremendous amount grief, shame, guilt, and depression. I had all the symptoms of a postpartum mother-engorged breasts, pain in my abdomen from the D&C, hormonal hair loss, linea negra line down my belly; but I didn’t have my baby, There were several days I didn’t get out of bed and wondered if I would ever feel happy again.
I took my time with my healing. I practiced the cuarentena (sitting moon), womb massage, vaginal steaming, belly binding, in order to heal physically. But what I discovered was just how healing this work is emotionally as well. It makes sense, because we store emotions in our bodies especially after undergoing trauma.
I also did sweat lodge, plant ceremonies, and counseling to heal emotionally and spiritually.
It took a while, but I was able to overcome the loss of Baby Rain and seeing first hand how important this work is, is what motivated me to open up my own womb wellness center. I wanted to make these important healing therapies more avaible to women/womb holders.
The last time we spoke, I was a solo practitioner working in an acupuncture clinic.
Now, Rebirth has expanded to a team of 10! We even survived a pandemic! We continue to focus on women’s health, womb wellness, prenatal massage and postpartum healing. My experience is strengthened me in so many ways, including making me a better womb wellness provider, and a better mother to my now 2 year old baby.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
I became a certified massage therapist at about 19 or 20 years old. I get asked all the time how I opened up Rebirth. People ask me “what did it take?” It took honest hard work, over 10 years of building clientele, word of mouth, gaining the trust of health professionals in the industry and community, my life savings, and a terrifying leap of faith! I’ll never forget the feeling I had after I opened my doors to my own wellness center in 2018. I WAS TERRIFED. I didn’t know if we would sink or swim! So stressful!
I am glad to say we have are still growing, even after a pandemic.
Contact Info:
- Website: rebirthmayamassage.com
- Instagram: @womb.wellness
- Facebook: Rebirth Massage
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLEcFoexfZTRFPBNnB7000Q
- Yelp: Rebirth Massage
- Other: I couldn’t finish typing the interview due to a malfunction in the system
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