Meet Ayako Lopez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ayako Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ayako, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey to becoming a lymphatic drainage massage therapist began with a deeply personal connection. both my mother and best friend battled with breast cancer, and witnessing their struggle inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. Through their experiences, I became acutely aware of the struggles breast cancer patients endure, including the often-overlooked impact of secondary lymphedema. This realization ignited my passion for learning how to provide relief and improve the quality of life for those affected. Helping others on their healing journeys has become my purpose and a way to honor the resilience of the women who mean the most to me.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I have a deep passion for energy work, including Reiki and sound therapy, as I believe in the power of holistic healing to support the mind, body, and spirit. These practices bring balance to my life and enhance the care I provide to my clients. I am dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth, constantly seeking new knowledge and techniques to refine my skills as a healer. This journey of self-improvement allows me to offer more effective and transformative experiences to those I serve.

Flow and Glow Los Angeles specializes in personalized lymphatic drainage therapies to support healing and wellness. Our offerings include oncology massage, manual lymphatic drainage, post-operative care, and Brazilian lymphatic body and facial sculpt massages. We proudly offer discounted rates to breast cancer survivors in need of lymphatic drainage for secondary lymphedema. Coming soon, we’ll introduce a 30-minute lymphatic drainage immune boost massage, perfect for people on the go who want to prioritize their health.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are:

Empathy and Compassion: My personal connection to breast cancer through my mother and best friend has cultivated a deep sense of empathy. This allows me to truly understand and connect with my clients, offering them not only physical relief but also emotional support during their healing journeys.

Dedication to Continuous Learning: My commitment to growth and education has been a cornerstone of my success. Whether it’s mastering advanced techniques in lymphatic drainage, exploring energy work like Reiki and sound therapy, or staying updated on the latest in oncology massage, I’m always striving to enhance my expertise.

Holistic Understanding of Healing: My belief in the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit has shaped my approach. Integrating both physical and energetic modalities enables me to provide a well-rounded and personalized experience, addressing not just physical symptoms but also fostering overall well-being.

The advice I have for folks early in their journey are to Volunteer or shadow experienced professionals who work with the communities you want to serve to gain firsthand insight into their needs. Practice self-care to avoid burnout—when you’re well, you can better support others. Invest in quality education and certifications that align with your goals, such as specialized massage therapy courses or energy healing workshops. Remember, progress takes time, so be patient and consistent in building your skills and understanding. Each step will bring you closer to becoming a more impactful practitioner. Never give up!

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I get overwhelmed I take a few moments to breathe deeply. Practice mindful breathing—inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This calms your nervous system and brings you back to the present moment.
Try grounding techniques like walking barefoot on grass or focusing on the sensations around you to anchor yourself in the now. Go to the beach or take a walk outside to clear your head. Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend,family member, or mentor, Sometimes, just talking about it can bring relief and perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flowandglowlosangeles.com
• Instagram: flowandglowla
• Yelp: Flow and Glow Los Angeles

Image Credits

Zoom Theory