Welcome.
We are a community health clinic and cross-cultural education center offering Western, Eastern, and Indigenou approaches to healing the heart, soul, and womb — in ways that are accessible to EVERY BODY.
All are welcome.
WHOLE PERSON * WHOLE SOUL * WHOLE FAMILY
The Story of Oshun
According to the stories of Ifa, a spiritual tradition from Africa and the Black Diaspora, several orisha (spirits), were sent down by Obatala, the two-spirit maker of humans, to help create the Earth. Among them was Oshun, a strikingly beautiful spirit who kept watch over the sweet waters, rivers and streams, abundance, beauty and ease.
Other orisha were incredibly strong and could shape iron (Ogun) or wield giant hammers (Shango), and so they were surprised when they noticed Oshun among them to help create the Earth. Oshun liked to admire herself in the mirror, and she played all day in the rivers and streams. The other orisha doubted Oshun could help build anything, and they laughed and poked fun at her presence among them. Oshun was bothered by their teasing, but she refused to waste her breath in trying to change their minds. She quietly left to sit on the moon and waited.
It didn’t take long before the orisha noticed a problem. All the sweet waters of the Earth had dried up. Dehydration and exhaustion slowed their steady production to a full stop. They tried over and again to jump start their work, but they could no longer sustain any energy. They traveled back up into the skies to speak with Obatala.
“Obatala, what is wrong?” They cried in frustration.
“You sent us on this journey to create a new world, but out of nowhere, everything has slowed and stopped!”
Obatala, the two-spirit maker of humans, furrowed their brow.
Obatala took a glance around the group, counted the Orisha, and narrowed their eyes.
“Aha!” Obatala said. “Where is Oshun?”
Confused, the orisha cried “Oshun?! Why did she even come? She was only looking at herself in the mirror and not helping with any of the real work. How could she help with any of this?
Obatala scolded them: “Oshun is as important as each one of you! Oshun brings the sweet waters that sustain your powers. Oshun renews your energy and brings you rest. Without her, you will burn too hot, and accomplish nothing.”
Surprised and humbled, the orisha turned to search for Oshun. They found her on the moon, waiting with a knowing smile. She requested an apology from each of them, and a promise that they would never underestimate her purpose again. They agreed, and water returned to the land. Soon after, the Earth became a new world.
A Story with a Message
This is an example of a Pataki, or a story with a message, passed down through oral tradition as a part of the Ifa tradition. The Oshun Center is not a religious institution, but we are a team of practitioners who hold space for cultural healing, which for some, may involve spiritual beliefs, stories and guides. We look at Oshun as a cultural teacher from the Black and African tradition that we all can learn to embody, regardless of our gender or race. There are Oshun-like spirits and goddesses across many other cultures, and we encourage you to learn about Oshun with humility, and also find those in your lineage that speak to you!
Services Available in the Integrative Health Wing of Family Tree Clinic
Free community acupuncture
Massage, cupping, and craniosacral theray
Energy work and body-awareness based coaching
Abdominal therapis for stress, digestion and reproductive health
Holistic and complementary care to support:
Headaces and poor sleep
Frequent colds or flu
Grief and loss
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Painful, health, or irregular periods
Recovery after surgery
Recovery after pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion
Each practitioner brings their own special skillset. Visit our booking bpage and request a call from our Team to find the best match for you. ALL ARE WELCOME. All practitioners identify as Back, Indigenous, people of color, and have experience with or identify as LGBTQ+.
The Sweet Water Alliance for Change Makers
Benefits of Membership
Program fees support the Oshun Center in offering affordable care to communities in need - thank you for standing with us!
Sharpen your ability to notice and interrupt moments of injustice while tending to your nervous system and body cues
Connect with a global network of health and wellness practitioners in using our resources to listen, open doorways for others, and become a more effective and effective advocate and leader.
$15 or $35 Per Month Gives You:
Access to our resources library including:
The Evidence on Birth Justice & Anti-Racism in Health Care webinar with Dr. Rebecca Dekker & Ihotu Ali
Soul Meditation recordings with Licensed Psychotherapist Anna Andaházy
MonthlyHealth Equity Cosults and Case Discsussions gently addressing burnout, conflict, and sustainable steps toward creating inclusive and patient centered spaces.
Meet the Team
