“We have to heal ourselves, especially as mothers, so we can then, go out and take care of each other.”

There is a sign in the far corner of Julianne Misra’s yoga studio that reads, “Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life.” As I breathe, I follow her soothing voice, bending and easing into poses. The combination of her technique and the pleasantly heated room drive me into such a state of relaxation. It is not until later that I realize throughout the duration of her yoga class, my mind was completely clear, and I was doing nothing other than appreciating each moment.

A former journalist and producer for CNN, Julianne became hooked on yoga after just one retreat. She developed and honed her passion with various yoga masters while her husband, Bibhu Misra, completed his education in chiropractic medicine. After living and working abroad. The Misras settled in Ashburn in 2004, where they found a calling for holistic care, and opened Misra Chiropractic and The OM Yoga Therapy center the following year.

A complete wellness center, alternative therapy services run the gamut. Along with yoga and chiropractic care, workshops, massages and reiki (energy balancing) sessions are available.

Yoga, or yoke, means union, and aims to put people back in their bodies. Devotees claim that while increasing flexibility and lubricating joints, it is the only activity that massages internal glands and organs. Julianne believes, “We have to heal ourselves, especially as mothers, so we can then, go out and take care of each other.”

She also describes her husband as an amazing healer. Dr. Misra has an impressive list of credentials and degrees, but according to clients in the community, what sets him apart is the accuracy of his treatments because he takes the time to listen and learn about his patients, before prescribing a collaborative lifestyle regime.

A parent of two elementary age children, Julianne admits the initiatory phase of the center was taxing as long hours away from home were required. While some might raise an eyebrow at working so closely with a spouse, Julianne proclaims she has been granted a view into a window of her husband’ world she might have otherwise, not gotten to know, and she feels luckier for it.

As Julianne and I sip ginger tea and prop our feet up in the massage chairs in the center lobby, I pummel her with wellness questions hoping to find quick answers to some of the issues mothers striving to be healthy grapple with. Does her family eat organically? Is she a vegetarian? Does she allow her children sugar? Was it good that I almost fell asleep on the mat at the end of class? (All answers are yes). Eventually, she laughs and says, “People expect perfect behavior from us, but it is all about balance”. This seems on par with the center’s philosophy to emphasize compassion, clarity and consistency.

After such an incredible yoga session, I’m convinced that all the offerings at Misra Chiropractic Clinic and The Om Yoga Therapy Center (www.theomcenter.com) are not to be missed.