“The greatest joy for me is witnessing the healing transformation from the practice of ashtanga yoga therapy and ayurveda. The beautiful souls that crossed paths from all walks of life taking charge of their health and wellbeing. I am honored to share my experiences and teachings to mentor breathing well and how to integrate living true yoga. This is my seva, the highest gift of my Yoga and Life, my Dharma. ”
Meet Christina
Christina Martini,
Senior Teacher & Owner, Shala Santosha Ashtanga Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness
Christina Martini is the founder and senior teacher of Shala Santosha Ashtanga Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness. She is a direct student of Manju Jois, the eldest son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois—recognized worldwide as the foremost authority on the Ashtanga Yoga tradition—and his daughter, Sathu Jois.
Christina is honored to be certified and authorized in all levels of the traditional holistic Ashtanga Yoga Therapy lineage and is also a certified Ayurveda Holistic Educator through the Chopra Center under Deepak Chopra. She welcomes all students—from complete beginners to experienced practitioners—to study, be mentored, or receive coaching in the traditional teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda.
Credentials & Certifications
Certified Clinical / Medical Yoga Therapist
Certified Ayurveda Health Counselor (AHC)
Licensed Clinical Nurse (active license in CA, HI, GU, TX)
Certified Cancer Patient Health Advocate and Oncology / Chronic Care Nurse Navigator
Member: Association of Oncology Nurse Navigators, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Holistic Nurses Association
Registered Yoga School , RYS, E-RYT, YACEP & Teacher Trainer Facilitator RYT200 Hr with Yoga Alliance
Supporter of Yoga Gives Back Foundation and Advocate for Yoga for Veterans & Yoga for Cancer
Christina and all teaching assistants at Shala Santosha are certified and authorized Ashtanga Yoga practitioners, trained in Breath, Meditation, and Yogic Philosophy.
Scope of Practice & Application
Christina integrates Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda, Breathwork, Meditation, Mantra Chanting, and Mindfulness Lifestyle Coaching as complementary healing modalities that support transformation and wellbeing.
She works with individuals of all levels—including those managing acute or chronic health conditions, injuries, or post-operative recovery.
Her experience includes supporting individuals with:
Infertility • Pregnancy • Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson’s • Cancer • Cholesterol & Hypertension • Seizures • Obesity • Insomnia • Cardiovascular Disease • PTSD • Diabetes • Stress • Substance & Alcohol Recovery • Lifestyle Change
Teaching Mission
Christina’s mission is to guide others toward healing, balance, and self-awareness through the true essence of Yoga. Her teachings honor the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Ashta–Anga) and the holistic principles of Ayurveda (Ayur–Veda: “Knowledge of Longevity”) as an art of self-care and transformation.
She believes in addressing the root cause of imbalance from the inside out—empowering each person to cultivate harmony in mind, body, and spirit. Her approach bridges Eastern wisdom with Western clinical knowledge, helping students and patients build sustainable habits of health, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
“Yoga and Ayurveda are timeless. They transform us from a state of imbalance (ragi) to a state without disease (nirogi), and ultimately to a state of radiant health (yogi/yogini).”