We hear from Laraba Friedman, founder of Balanced Healing.
What motivated you to start Balanced Healing?
Growing up in Nepal in the 1970s and 80s, I was exposed to natural ways of healing that were integrated with the modern way of living. This had a huge impact on me. In my late 20s, I became severely ill with an undiagnosed viral infection after an intense trekking adventure in Tibet. The healing process was slow and I was traumatised, as I had been used to leading an energetic and
relatively carefree life. In retrospect, I believe the illness was my body’s way of telling me to slow down from my high-pressure life. Modern medicine healed my immediate symptoms and the introduction of natural healing methods completed the circle of healing. That journey re-ignited my interest in natural healing techniques and a desire to learn more. So, I enrolled in a professional
certification course in clinical aromatherapy massage, an accredited career path in the UK, where I was living at the time. At the conclusion of the course eighteen months later, I knew that I had found my calling. That’s when I started my Balanced Healing practice.
How do you define well-being?
Well-being is about balance! It is about looking at the whole person, both mind and body, and ensuring there is a healthy symbiosis.
Do you think there is a connection between individual and collective well-being?
Yes, I do. I believe that all living beings are interconnected. It is important to take responsibility for our own well-being, something that many people are not good about doing. When an individual is living a healthy, well-balanced life, they tend to care about and be aware of the health and well-being of those around them, including creatures and plant life in the natural world. An individual living in balance is apt to express empathy and compassion, to hold humane values and impart them to the younger generation, and to demonstrate concern for the environment. All of these factors can help enhance the well-being of one’s family, social or work group, and of society as a whole.
What is the most important practice people should include in their daily lives to stay happy
and healthy?
To have interoceptive awareness - the ability to connect with ourselves on an intimate level, to discern and understand what is going on in our bodies. This awareness is known as our “eighth sense,” and it takes practice to be achieved.
Do you have a daily mantra?
To live as much as possible in the moment - the past has happened, and the future is yet to come. I try and focus on this as much as possible, especially when life takes an unexpected turn.
Do you have any tips for staying healthy during the winter months?
Make sure that you are on your own ‘To Do List’:
- To look after your gut – keeping those microbes happy.
- To have quality sleep – and enough of it.
- To keep your immune system healthy - I do this by cold-water dipping.
- To have enough joy in your life - whatever makes you feel happy and alive!
Laraba taking a cold-water dip in Lake Geneva!
Laraba Friedman is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Heal Your Life Coach, Myofascial Release & Massage Therapist. She has been practicing since 2004. Guided by her belief that everyone is a bio-individual with their own unique story, Laraba tailors her work to suit each person, situation and moment. She listens closely to what the client comfortably shares with her about their lifestyle and what aspect(s) of their life may be in need of healing – be it physical, mental, emotional or even spiritual - and acts on what she hears. No session is the same; and keeping it fresh is how she helps those who seek her wisdom to improve their health and well-being.
