Beyond uniquely sourced identity-based wisdom and healing modalities, aRoXa CALM (complementary and alterNative Meds) offers clients the rare combination of continuous specialized training, knowledge, experience, and practice of spiritually grounded Yoga (hatha, restorative, nidra yoga), meditation guidance, Usui/ Holy Fire® Reiki, and Indigenous (Mixtec) plant medicine as research grounded complementary healing practices.

The Māori language word Aroha from which the word aRoXa is derived, means Universal Love, affection, compassion, or Divine Connection. aRoXa CALM deeply honors and respects the five years of life-changing learning and healing with Māori and Pasifika brothers and sisters experienced by Dr. Lorri from those years, relationships, and experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The ‘R’ is for Usui/ Holy Fire® Reiki, the foundation of Dr. Lorri’s practice, best understood as the Japanese technique of  ‘laying on of hands’ and sharing meditative spiritually positive space, resulting in stress reduction, relaxation, and the promotion of physical, emotional, and psychological healing. 

The ‘X’ is used in place of the ‘h’ from Aroha to aRoXa in honor of Dr. Lorri’s Louisiana Creole heritage, Choctaw Indigeneity, and Spirit-filled ancestral healing arts birthright. The ‘X’ is for her Indigenous connection to the Māori people and also pays homage to her profound connections to Mexico. These connections include her current  invitational work alongside Curanderas (Healers) in the Mixteco/ Indígena community of Oxnard, CA where she works as an Ethnopharmocologist cultivating, researching, and practicing healing practices and plant medicine originating from Oaxaca, Mexico. 

The complementary and alterNative medicinal (CALM) treatments and practices offered by aRoXa CALM (e.g., Reiki + Yoga + Meditation) are essential life enhancements. aRoXa CALM offers a specifically designed and personalized system comprised of healing sessions, teaching, and learning opportunities for individuals and groups seeking self-care tools and wellness toward living healthier more balanced lives. 

~ Dr. Lorri Story ~
Dr. Lorri Many Rivers has always been a life-long learner, teacher, and healing channel. Years before founding aRoXa CALM and practicing complementary medicine while researching plant medicine with the Mixtec community in Oxnard, Dr. Lorri worked in the fitness industry (aerobics and West African Dance) and taught school while completing her doctorate. She completed her PhD in Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2000. Today, in addition to being an active professional wellness advocate, Dr. Lorri is a seasoned researcher and published author in the fields of multicultural/multilingual education, social justice + equity in education, educational leadership, and Indigenous research modalities. She is a retired university Professor of Multicultural Multilingual Education, California State University San Marcos and Educational Leadership, the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr. Lorri initially studied and received yoga, wellness, and healing certification in Auckland, New Zealand following a life-changing cancer journey. She relies on deep faith, ancient healing wisdom, alternative medicine, and tenants of her identity as a Spanish speaking, Spanish born (Seville, Spain), Black African American Louisiana Creole of American Indian (Choctaw) descent, to navigate her healing process. Dr. Lorri’s real world experience with cancer healing includes neuropathy (nerve damage), immunotherapy, and radiation which bring a deeper understanding and empathy to practitioners and patients on a shared path. 

As a Doctor of Philosophy and active researcher, Dr. Lorri continually investigates, tests, and incorporates the most effective, natural, ethical, and most highly evolved healing protocols to her rigorous professional training program. This includes Master Teacher certification in Third Degree Usui/ Holy Fire® Reiki, and the study and application of indigenous Mixteco/ Indigenous healing with the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project.

Today, even as Dr. Lorri Many Rivers Santamaría moves closer to restored personal health and wellness, she taps the deep well of her educational, professional, and holistic medical training, ongoing health journey, and rich personal experiences, in order to lead you and others toward healing, happiness, and optimal wellbeing.

CORE VALUES

authenticity / ethical practices / inclusivity / accessibility / sustainability