Founder's Story

 

Grassroots Beginnings

Heang Sen Yein spent 30 years as a clinical nurse in Australia and had already retired in 1999 when a friend suggested she attend an Ayurveda workshop. So began her discovery of this ancient science.

She subsequently underwent 3 years of practitioner training in Perth with Dr Rajen Cooppan (Founder President of Ayurvedic Medicine Association, South Africa). This knowledge was used to heal much of the damage done from two spinal surgeries, a motor accident, liver damage and all the stress and medication that entails. 

Upon her return to Malaysia in 2004, she expected to wind down towards the quiet life. But having already started sharing with people in Australia and Singapore, she couldn't help but tell friends and family in Kuala Lumpur too.

Of course there was always the difficult and time-consuming search for the right products to use for her own cleansing practice. As the informal sharing continued, there became a larger need for more formal sharing, improved Mandarin (!) as well as a reliable source for the supplies.

Over 10 years later and having taught all around the country and region, Sen Yein continues to love to share.

RUNNING

In 2007, at the age of 57, Sen Yein completed her first 7km run. From then on, the fire was lit, and soon many events were under her belt, even including a few half marathons (21km). Hung up on her wall at home is her collection of over 120 medals from running events that have been collected in the intervening years. These are really hard earned as they come after many years of ill health–including 2 spinal fusions and much time in pain.

With diligence and willpower, she won back her good health. In these few years, Sen Yein has continuously participated in running events around the region; all over Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Always running at minimum of 5km up to 21km. What keeps her going is her passion for running. She always runs with pleasure, as it gives her vitality and hope.

Those years when Sen Yein was in poor health, she dreamed of throwing a party to celebrate her 10th running medal. She had that party, and a few years later had the party for her 100th medal in 2014. It was a great joy to share her achievement with family and friends.

Sen Yein hopes people become inspired to be responsible for their own health. As she believes once you can take that responsibility, you can be the master of your body and take charge of your life.

HIKING

Apart from running, Sen Yein also loves hiking. Whenever there is a chance of mountain climbing, Sen Yein definitely will take part in the tour without hesitation.

Mount Kinabalu, age 61, January 2011

In October 2014, aged 64, Sen Yein participated in a group going from Hash to Bukhansan National Park, South Korea. Bukhansan is a mountain on the northern periphery of Seoul, South Korea. There are three major peaks, Baegundae (836 m), Insubong (810 m) and Mangyeongdae (799 m), had been known as the “first mountain of Seoul”. Mount Dabongsan is located northest of Bukhansan National Park.

This is her first visit to South Korea for mountain climbing and tourism. In Bukhansan, she found that mountain climbing is so popular amongst Koreans. It was great to see so many locals appreciating nature. She especially noted that many women have professional equipment for mountain climbing, and go mountaineering with their children. There she saw the poetic beauty of natural scenery and could not help but exclaim, “Korea is really beautiful!”

May 6, 2015, 65-years-old, Taiwan's Jade Mountain

Yushan (Mount Jade) at an altitude of 3952 meters, is the highest mountain in Taiwan. With panoramic views, overlapping mountains and deep, plunging valleys, Yushan is well known for its scenery and geological features. Sen Yein departed from Dongpu trailhead to Paiyun Lodge and reached the magnificent aerial view at the peak.

May 26, 2015, 65 years old, Tibet

After few weeks back from Taiwan, Sen Yein headed to Tibet again. Tibet, is a Holy Land many people look forward to. However, the altitude is a source of concern to a lot of travellers. People are cautious and well prepared for the departure to Tibet, but some people inevitably get altitude sickness symptoms such as giddiness, headache, lethargy, vomiting and palpitations.

Over the years, Sen Yein has been running almost every morning and had acquired a good stamina. She was at an altitude of 4998 m at Yamdrok Tso and 5190m altitude in Namtso National Park (La Ghen La). She not only did not feel the slightest symptoms of altitude sickness, but also excited to jump up there and spent an easy journey with good memories.