Asheville Massage and Wellness: Q & A With Kevin Pennel of East West Healing Arts
I love when I get to share some of the people I meet on my journey of learning, growing and healing. I was fortunate enough to be gifted a session with Kevin and we bonded over all things chakra, energy and formulating. Extremely talented, knowledgeable and charismatic, Kevin agreed to be interviewed. Kevin will be a contributing writer, so look for his posts on chakras and massage.
Kevin, what is your idea of perfect happiness? I describe perfect happiness as a state of contentment. Practically, I seek contentment in whatever I do. This embraces the state of being content with where I am at any given moment while seeking after the bliss of life. Sometimes, during the adverse moments that life dishes out, finding this state of being may mean I need to stop and assess the situation before acting. Seeking after the state of contentment becomes a virtual safety net for my wellbeing.
What is your greatest fear? Though most would believe the opposite of love is hate. I think the opposite is fear, while hate is the manifestation of that fear. As I review my life, I would say my greatest fear is a failure. When I allow that mindset to overtake me, the state of contentment is most challenged, so I try to rise, no soar, above that fear and move on.
What do you call yourself as far as your profession is concerned? Well, I've had my share of "professions" and am happy to say that I'm now living my passion in this profession as a holistic practitioner which embraces all that I do these days. As a holistic health practitioner, for over 18 years now, I try to devote myself to create balance and harmony in the lives of my clients and students through integrated therapies including massage, herbology, energy work, and education. Since graduating from New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts, I practice integrated modalities of Clinical Massage Therapy including, TuiNa, Thai Massage, GuaSha, Moxibustion, European Neuromuscular, Trigger Point Therapy, Acupressure, Active and Passive Release Techniques Stretching, and Sports Massage. As a Clinical Herbalist, I apply the principles and work with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Western Herbology to support Mobility and Range of Motion. I'm also a Certified QiGong Instructor, and Reiki Sensei (Usui Reiki Master), with an earned Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College.
That's a mouthful. Is there anything else? As I eluded to, I'm a licensed massage therapist with the State of North Carolina, a Professional Member of ABMP, and Board Certified nationally through NCBTMB. I'm also a martial arts practitioner. I love living in Asheville because of its natural beauty. Asheville feeds my love for the outdoors, which manifests through trail running, hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. Then there's our passion for cars and car racing, umm as a spectator these days. I don't race anymore. In addition to my private clinical practice, I teach workshops, private sessions for Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and hold lectures. As an author, I applied biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work "Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter" that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. I currently write blogs regularly as I work on my next books.
You referenced your private practice and sessions. What's the best way to
contact you? Massage and Bodywork appointments are available through East West Healing Arts in Asheville, NC. I offer an online booking service as well. Visit the"Services Page" to review services and book your appointment online.
