According to Aztec legend, the first axolotl was a god who changed his form in order to escape being sacrificed. Scientists believe axolotls descended from salamanders that could live on land, but reverted to water because it offered a survival advantage.

The axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl or ASH-uh-LAH-tuhl) is found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh) near Mexico City. If injured, the axolotl does not heal by scarring but is instead capable of the regeneration of entire lost appendages in a period of months. In certain cases, axolotl have been found restoring parts of their brain, eyes, and organs such as their heart.

The axolotl inspired the name and philosophy of the therapeutic practice of the AXOLOT CENTER. In times of hardship, loss, struggle, trauma, the mind and heart, and even vision of a person can feel broken and permanently changed. Symbolically, the axolotl teaches us that even the most vital parts of ourselves, with time and care, can be healed and transformed.