Ama means mother in colloquial Indian language. Tara is a Hindu goddess, the Mother Creator, who represents the eternal life force that fuels all life. Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center is devoted to helping island residents improve the quality of their lives.
Stacy Lutz, the owner of a new business in the Doty’s Marketplace next to Homegrown Foods, is a Licensed Acupuncturist with over 18 years of experience in acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, therapeutic massage, energy balancing, meditation and nutritional support. As an undergraduate student at the University of Alaska studying pre-med, she took a course in acupressure that changed her life. “Suddenly, I knew what I wanted to do with my life,” said Lutz.
Lutz and her husband Dave came to Orcas Island in 1992. The couple were attracted by the creative and artistic nature of Island residents. Lutz continued to study massage and eventually attended Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM) in Seattle during the week, returning to Orcas Island on the weekends.
Lutz practiced at The Healing Arts Center on Orcas for 15 years before deciding to open her own clinic. At a retreat last fall, she had a clear, creative moment of consciousness that she wanted to create a place where people could come together for meditation and where she could practice in her own unique style.
Concerned about the high cost of medical care, and alternative care in particular, Lutz has instituted “The Barefoot Doctor” walk-in clinic. On Fridays, twice a month, from 2 to 5 p.m. Lutz will see acupuncture patients for short sessions on a first come, first served basis for $25. “It is very important to me that our whole community have access to health care,” said Lutz.
Another important focus of Lutz’s practice will be meditation. “I want to emphasize how important our sense of peace within us is,” says Lutz. “All of life can be crazy, like a storm on the sea. If we are centered within, our boat can weather the storm gracefully.”
Lutz says that the effect of meditation, or practicing mantra in a group, is much stronger than when one practices alone. Each person serves an an amplifier for the group. “My spiritual focus is non-religious. All people are welcome and I hope they will feel supported by our meditation classes,” said Lutz.
Later this summer, Lutz hopes to offer classes in herbal aromatherapy and nutrition. Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center is having its first “Barefoot Doctor” clinic on Friday, May 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. The grand opening of the clinic is Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lutz will offer hourly drawings for acupuncture, acupressure, massage and consultation sessions.
To reduce the carbon footprint of the business, Lutz is committed to use electronic communication to keep in contact with her clients. She can be reached at stacy@amatataracenter.com. For more information, visit the website www.amataracenter.com or call 376-5900.
