Karina Stewart, Co-Founder of Kamalaya on Cultural Ties and TCM

 

We sat down with Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya in Koh Samui, Thailand to discuss the vision behind this award-winning resort and the impact of both cultural ties and Traditional Chinese Medicine on their day-to-day offering.

What are the core values that you and your husband bring to Kamalaya?

Our core values at Kamalaya are deeply rooted in the transformative power of the Asian healing and spiritual/philosophical traditions of Asia and the Himalayas. 

Drawing from John's 17 years of spiritual practice and dedication in the Himalayas and my extensive expertise in diverse Asian healing traditions including a MSc in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kamalaya embodies the insights and wisdom of more than 80 cumulative years of immersive training, practice and commitment to service. We have the experience that health and spirituality can bring about profound transformation in people and that true happiness comes from service. Kamalaya is a sanctuary for personal development in every aspect of life and reflects our dream to nurture a worldwide community dedicated to fostering positive change.

 

 

How have your upbringing and cultural ties influenced your passion for health and wellness?

 

My passion for health and wellness is intricately tied to my upbringing and the profound cultural influences that shaped it. When I was about ten, my mother's brave decision to combat terminal cancer with a complete lifestyle transformation and holistic healing traditions, including diet, movement, nature, meditation and other profound changes, instilled in me an enduring reverence for the healing philosophies of traditional cultures and especially the Asian traditions. This family experience laid the foundation for my deep appreciation and respect for a holistic and preventive approach to healing and wellbeing. Furthermore, when I travelled to the Himalayas to study with a great spiritual master and found an infinite source of wisdom and compassion with him, then some years later encountered a Daoist master, whose remarkable health and energy at an advanced age inspired my pursuit of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoism further deepening my commitment to a path of healing and spirituality as a means to not only fulfil our unique potential but also to offer our gifts, talents and service to the world. This environment of healing, wellness and development has been second nature to me since childhood, consistently nurturing my passion and devotion to this field.

 

What influenced your decision to study Chinese Medicine? Is it a solution for everybody?

My decision to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was catalysed by an encounter with an inspiring and renowned Taoist teacher, Master Ni Hua Ching whose mental clarity, youthful vitality and radiance defied his age. Intrigued, I sought his wisdom and was directed to his books, which launched me on my studies of Taoism and eventually my path to studying Traditional Chinese medicine at Yo San University, California - a school he founded with his two sons and where I earned my master's degree in TCM. While no modality of healing is universally applicable to everyone, TCM has thousands of years of history and evolution and offers healing and support for many people and many illnesses with fewer or no side effects. Moreover, TCM also offers a path to recovery from illnesses in which allopathic medicine may not yet have developed a cure. It is a healing tradition which has much research behind it now and is well respected in most countries. It also works well as a supplementary form of medicine with the potential to augment treatment outcomes significantly. 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. It also emphasises lifestyle and prevention which is a very empowering approach to our longevity and wellbeing.

What can your guests expect to gain from their experience 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. The magic of transformation happens when they awaken and reconnect to their true potential. 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.

Is there a particular kind of guest you feel you are especially well-suited to help at Kamalaya?

We cater to a diverse range of guests of all ages (from 16 onwards) and from all corners of the world. Our guests are seeking to improve their overall health and wellbeing and yet each guest has a unique vision of what their goals and needs are for their immersive journey at Kamalaya. We specialise in individuals with a fervent desire to make positive life choices and achieve personal wellness goals as they continue on their journey to lifelong wellness.

 

Do you have a favourite Kamalaya program? What are the main features and benefits of this program?

The Kamalaya detox program is a standout offering, focusing on cleansing the body and nurturing mental wellness. It's designed for newcomers and seasoned detox enthusiasts, aiming to deliver a comprehensive health overhaul. The program combines specialised treatments that cleanse vital 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 deep connection with the body's natural intelligence. 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 unique about Kamalaya that you love?

Kamalaya's most enchanting feature is the ancient Arjan cave nestled within the resort. This historic site, once a sanctuary for Buddhist monks seeking a place for deep meditation, infuses the surroundings with a profound sense of spirituality and peace. Koh Samui, the island where Kamalaya is located, is revered for its unique energy that is believed to nurture one's spiritual journey, possibly due to the quartz-rich granite boulders that encompass 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 universally sense this spiritual potency, enveloping them in a wave of calm and positive vibrations that enhance their stay. The monks' cave, a sanctuary for introspection and calm, remains accessible for guests yearning to engage with this sacred space, ensuring that the legacy of tranquillity and reflection continues to flourish within Kamalaya's embrace.

 

  Karina Stewart, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer at Kamalaya

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 Karina Stewart is a renowned authority on holistic health and wellbeing. 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 has a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in California, followed by training across structural therapies including Hellerwork and Cranial-Sacral Manipulation, yoga and Taoist philosophy and practice. She has a B.A. from Princeton University in Cultural Anthropology with a focus on Asian religions.