The name ViaSana is an abstract union of the words via and sana, stemming from ancient Indo-European language roots. Via has many possible translations: route, course, path, way, means, method, or conduit. Sana, as a form of the Latin verb sanare, means he/she/it heals, while in its adjective form it can mean healthy, sound, well, sane, sensible, wholesome… the list goes on, but the idea is clear. Combine any of these denotations as you will, and it is sure to represent the vision that inspired this healing arts center’s creation. It also embraces various aspects of my background as a foreign language guru, translator, educator, mountaineer, global wanderer, and promoter of thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to health and wellbeing.
In the Spanish and Italian languages, the term via is found in the names of numerous alpine climbing routes. The Ouray Via Ferrata, a cable route along the steep walls of the Uncompahgre Gorge, is one of my favorite forms of stress relief. In the neighboring San Miguel County, Via Andinista, a multi-pitch rock climb, offers a pleasant day of adventure and privileged views from its airy belay ledges.