Translation: Shavua Israeli Article

Original Article Here

Word of Mouth

Jaime and Yonatan Elkayam opened the Word of Mouth center in August of last year. This unique healing space in West Hollywood provides people with mental and physical healing, allowing them to reassess their lives through a combination of various tools that harmoniously intertwine: Pilates, coaching, Reiki, and "Sound Baths."

Jaime and Yonatan Elkayam, the duo behind Word of Mouth, opened their holistic center a year ago. Prior to that, they worked online and offered a holistic approach to people who were already frustrated with finding holistic relief, incorporating various therapeutic tools.

Many of their clients had tried different forms of therapy before, such as chiropractic, psychologists, and prescription medications, but to no avail. Turning to Jaime and Yonatan was often their last resort. I met with them to understand exactly how they work together and how their therapy approach succeeds time and time again.

But before we continue, a little about them: Yonatan Elkayam is a talented musician, a double bass player, and a music producer who has collaborated with many musicians in the city. He always had a deep passion for the body and energy, and a few years ago became a Pilates instructor and Reiki practitioner. His wife, Jaime, whom he married just last September, is a skilled dancer, personal coach, behaviorist, and holds a master's degree in Reiki. The two decided to combine their knowledge, talents, and abilities to establish their center, "Word of Mouth," which has attracted clients from far and wide and is now receiving its first exposure here.

Tell me how your session works?

"We address the soul, body, and spirit in our therapy. While in other places, people receive treatment either for the body or the soul, we take a holistic approach to everyone. By combining these aspects in holistic healing, we witness extraordinary changes among our patients. We start with breathing exercises and take a minute to calm ourselves from the day's tensions. Then we continue with regular coaching, Pilates, Reiki, energetic therapy, and Sound Baths."

How long does each session last?

"Each session lasts an hour and a half, sometimes more. The program itself spans three months. Some people take the tools they learned from us, apply them in their lives, and continue on their own. Others continue to come for reinforcement or for the 'Sound Baths' we organize for groups of 8-10 people. Our goal is to build a supportive community where people feel a part of it and continue to come whenever they want or need to."

What are the reasons people come here, mainly seeking treatment for?

"Mainly for pain and traumas, but not only. We currently have a client who has been suffering from severe chronic back pain for a long time. He tried different treatments, consulted doctors and chiropractors, but nothing really helped. When he came to us, we touched on other aspects of his life that were bothering him. We also incorporated Pilates and Reiki, and the pain significantly diminished. Not only did the pain decrease, but other areas of his life improved, such as his relationships. We had a client, a married woman, who came to us because she felt unhappy in her life. Through our work, we discovered that she was struggling to overcome the loss of her father. Together, we managed to transform that sorrow into something more positive. While she still mourns and feels sad about her father's death, that paralyzing grief that caused her suffering is no longer present. Her family, her mother, and her sisters have also managed to overcome the pain of separation thanks to her new approach. We also have clients who have been through unhealthy relationships and want to attract a more suitable partner. They realize that they first need to work on themselves."

Do you work together or individually?

"We work together because we bring different perspectives, that of the feminine and masculine,

 and we complement each other well. But if someone wants to work with just one of us, one-on-one, that's also possible, of course."

Yonatan, do you incorporate your skills as a musician in your work?

"Definitely. I incorporate many aspects of music, harmony and movement into our work and have composed new meditation music that I use in our 'Sound Baths.'"

What are these Sound Baths?

"These are soothing sound waves produced by traditional instruments like gong and crystal singing bowls that are known as 'Sound Baths' and can help alleviate symptoms of stress, fatigue, and depression. These Sound Baths can also be a good preventive strategy to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Research shows that Sound Baths can also improve your mood and relieve tension in the body. What I do differently is that I also play the piano and sing, but we also use more traditional instruments like crystal balls, rain sticks, and percussion instruments. We organize Sound Baths for groups of 8-10 people. There was a woman who came to us and confessed that she had internal resistance to the topic; she didn't really believe it was something she would connect with. But at a certain point, her resistance barrier broke, and she started crying out of excitement."

Jaime, who met Yonatan on a dating app, fell in love not only with him but also with his religion and Jewish tradition. It started with Shabbat evenings at Yonatan's parents' home, with his mother, Batia Elkayam and father, Dr. Uri Elkayam, and continued with the celebration of Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Passover. It was she who asked to convert without Yonatan ever asking her to. She went through the conversion process in the synagogue and chose her Hebrew name: Binah. "I went through all the Hebrew names in the book and connected with this name and its meaning," she says. Before studying Reiki and holistic energy healing, Jaime worked in interior design. "I always say that in the past, I helped people design their physical space, and today I help them design their inner space."

The two derive immense satisfaction from their work with people and attest to how it helps individuals overcome mental and physical traumas and life obstacles that prevent them from moving forward and truly feeling free and happy.

For more information, visit their website or contact them by phone: 310-499-2221.