The Balance of East & West
East meets West in the heart of downtown
Naples at 945 Central Avenue. Around the corner from the divided highway of US 41, a single path to oneness opens up at Anahata, Naples own holistic healing and spiritual center which is owned and operated by Susanna Tocco. After being a health food store manager
for eight years, Susanna
decided to take her own therapeutic skills to the next level. “I found that I was limited in what I could do. I worked for a chiropractor and even though I was doing massage, using Tibetan bowls in the service and crystal-gridding was just a little bit too fringe for the setting I was in.” With the practice of alternative medicine
becoming increasingly common, Tocco made the leap of faith and opened Anahata on Valentine’s Day, 2010. “I wanted it to be a home. Psychic and tarot readers didn’t really have a place to meet with the public.” J. Navas, resident of Naples and facilitator of the Vanderbilt Drum Circle, notes the diverse clientele of Anahata which includes progressive youth to the more conservative pillars of traditional society such as doctors and judges. He cites the organic essential oils as being one of his favorite products, and rates prices as being fair. Anhata’s personal service is a main reason for his continued patronage, adding, “this is part of our community.” The services of Anahata include diverse ritual
forms of energy alignment. Reiki, Thai yoga therapy, hypnotherapy, and meditation focus on emotional well-being through a balanced approach. Soul memory discovery, aura and intuitive readings also help to allow the body to heal itself. The symbolism of the store’s logo is the Vedic Hindu fourth chakra of the heart, known in Sanskrit as Anahata. Tocco recalls, “I really didn’t know anything about Hindu philosophy or anything Vedic until about 1998 when I took a world religion class in college.” Several years later, Tocco’s interest led her to the practical side of Eastern knowledge. “During 2003, I started taking yoga; I now feel more grounded as the teachings help you understand how to be a better person.” She is a practicing healer and is in the process of gaining a BA degree in Holistic Health. Jessica Hesser of Naples who has been attending yoga classes in the store’s studio states, “It is a very warm, welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere which you don’t always get with metaphysical venues. It’s a wonderful place with positive people.” She also
22 | Pulse Magazine SWFL
written by: Chris Harrison
loves Anahata’s products as unique gift ideas. Tocco views Eastern health and wellness
methods, whether from Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism, as helping to fill the void of much of Western culture. “It is helping people connect back to finding their inner power and the divinity within. By looking inwards, we can take responsibility. Your conventional doctor has an amazing amount of knowledge. These doctors are useful and very much needed, but the more we see conventional and alternative medicine working together, we are going to have much healthier and happier people who are actually taking control of their destinies. Once you hand over the responsibility to a third party, energetically, your body gives up. So keeping that responsibility personally helps your energy forces stay stronger.” Christie Jacobson of Naples had been unable to find relief from rheumatoid arthritis until she happened upon Anahata. The local, independent aspect appealed to her, and after frequenting Anahata for a year she states that “through meditation and positivity, the pain has been sent into remission.” She rates the classes as being an excellent value for the results, after having experienced Anahata’s guided meditation, crystal ball therapy, and other healing sessions. Although Eastern ideas are at the core of the
store’s message, Anahata draws elements of truth from all sacred viewpoints. All Western insights are honored, from the European Wicca to the diverse traditions of indigenous America. “I truly believe that we are all one soul and that soul would be everywhere.” Eastern spiritual knowledge continues to gain popularity in Western health and wellness practices, and the holistic sub-culture of America is fast becoming a major player in the healthcare industry. Venues such as Anahata only help to bring personal choice and satisfaction in a world that is all too familiar with conformity. Western medicine appears apt at treating visible outer symptoms, but it is the Eastern influence and emotional care of Anahata that shows us the way to inner peace.
For more information, visit
www.anahatanaples.com or call (239) 262-0811
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