Frequently Asked Questions

Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, posture, and reduce stress and anxiety.

We offer Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and prenatal massages.

Spiritual wellness is the state of being connected to something larger than oneself, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and living in accordance with one's values. It is a dimension of overall wellness that is often overlooked, but it is just as important as physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

There is no one definition of spiritual wellness, as it can mean different things to different people. However, some common aspects of spiritual wellness include:

• Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life
• Feeling connected to something larger than oneself, such as nature, a higher power, or a community
• Living in accordance with one's values
• Having a sense of peace and acceptance
• Feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation
• Being able to cope with difficult times

A spiritual wellness practitioner is a professional who helps people improve their spiritual health and well-being. They do this by providing guidance, support, and education on a variety of spiritual practices and traditions. Spiritual wellness practitioners may work with individuals, groups, or organizations.

Some of the specific things that a spiritual wellness practitioner might do include:

• Help people to identify their spiritual beliefs and values
• Explore different spiritual practices and traditions
• Create a personalized plan for spiritual growth and development
• Provide support and guidance during difficult times
• Teach people how to cope with stress and anxiety
• Help people to find meaning and purpose in life
• Promote a sense of connection and community

Spiritual wellness practitioners may have different educational backgrounds and training. Some may have a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Others may have training in a specific spiritual tradition, such as yoga or meditation.

A safe space yoga class is a type of yoga class that is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or body size. The instructor will create a space where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

The class will begin with a discussion about what it means to create a safe space. The instructor will talk about the importance of respecting everyone's boundaries and of being mindful of our words and actions. The students will then be invited to share their thoughts and feelings about what it means to feel safe.

Once the discussion is complete, the class will begin with a traditional yoga practice. The instructor will lead the students through a series of poses, designed to stretch and strengthen the body. The class will also include breathing exercises and meditation.

At the end of the class, the instructor will lead the students in a closing circle. In the circle, the students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about the class. The instructor will then close the circle with a blessing.

Spiritual Wellness Radio is a podcast brought to you by Quartz Botanica, a spiritual wellness center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Hosted by Samantha Sjoerdsma-Noel, Owner & Spiritual Wellness Practitioner. In each episode, Samantha discusses a different aspect of spiritual wellness, such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and connecting with nature. She also interviews experts on spiritual topics and shares her own personal experiences.

The goal of Spiritual Wellness Radio is to help listeners connect with their inner selves, find meaning and purpose in life, and live more fulfilling lives. Quartz Botanica believes that spiritual wellness is essential for overall well-being, and hopes that this podcast will inspire listeners to explore their own spiritual paths.

The mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected, and when one part is out of balance, it can affect the others. This is why it is important to address all three aspects of our being when we are seeking healing.

Mind: Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our physical and spiritual health. For example, stress can weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to illness. Negative thoughts can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Body: Our physical health can also affect our mental and spiritual health. For example, chronic pain can make it difficult to focus on our thoughts and emotions. And illness can make it difficult to feel connected to our spiritual side.

Spirit: Our spirituality gives us a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It can also provide us with comfort and support during difficult times. When we are spiritually disconnected, we may feel lost and alone.

When we are seeking healing, it is important to address all three aspects of our being: mind, body, and spirit. This means taking care of our physical health, managing our emotions, and connecting with our spiritual side.

A Reiki session is a hands-on healing treatment that is used to promote relaxation and healing. Reiki practitioners believe that there is a universal life force energy that flows through all living things. When this energy is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to physical or emotional problems. Reiki practitioners believe that by channeling this energy, they can help to restore balance and promote healing.

Reiki sessions are typically conducted in a quiet and peaceful environment. The recipient of the Reiki session will lie down on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner will then place their hands on or near the recipient's body. The hands are held in specific positions, which are determined by the Reiki practitioner. The Reiki practitioner will then focus their intention on channeling the universal life force energy into the recipient.

Reiki sessions typically last for 30-60 minutes. During the session, the recipient may feel a warm or tingling sensation, or they may not feel anything at all. Some people report feeling a sense of peace and relaxation during a Reiki session. Others report feeling physical sensations, such as a decrease in pain or an improvement in circulation.

Reiki is a safe and effective form of healing for most people. However, it is important to note that Reiki is not a substitute for medical care. If you are experiencing a medical problem, it is important to see a doctor.

Reiki is a powerful form of healing that can help you to improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you are interested in trying Reiki, I encourage you to find a practitioner and experience the benefits for yourself.

Here are some of the benefits of Reiki:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves sleep
• Increases energy
• Reduces pain
• Boosts the immune system
• Promotes relaxation
• Improves overall well-being

Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses volatile plant oils, also known as essential oils, to promote health and well-being. The practice is based on the belief that these oils can affect mood, behavior, and physical health through the olfactory system and by interacting with the body's natural systems.

Essential oils are extracted from plants through a variety of methods, including steam distillation, cold pressing, and solvent extraction. They are then diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, before being applied to the skin or inhaled.

Aromatherapy is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep problems. It may also be used to improve mood, boost energy levels, and enhance overall well-being.

There is some scientific evidence to support the use of aromatherapy for certain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that aromatherapy with lavender oil was effective in reducing anxiety in people with dementia. Another study, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, found that aromatherapy with peppermint oil was effective in relieving headaches.

However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of aromatherapy for other conditions. Additionally, it is important to note that aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are considering using aromatherapy to treat a medical condition, it is important to talk to your doctor first.

Here are some of the most common ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy:

• Inhalation: Essential oils can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a diffuser or by simply smelling them.
• Massage: Essential oils can be diluted in a carrier oil and then massaged into the skin.
• Bathing: Essential oils can be added to a bath by adding a few drops to a carrier oil or by adding them directly to the bathwater.
• Topical application: Essential oils can be applied to the skin by diluting them in a carrier oil.
• Oral ingestion: Essential oils should not be ingested unless they are specifically formulated for this purpose.

It is important to note that essential oils can be toxic if ingested or applied to the skin in high concentrations. It is also important to avoid essential oils that are known to be phototoxic, meaning that they can cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight.

If you are considering using aromatherapy, it is important to do your research and to talk to a qualified aromatherapist.

A massage session typically follows this sequence:

Arrival and consultation: You will arrive at the massage therapist's office and fill out a brief health questionnaire. This will help the therapist to understand your individual needs and goals for the massage.

Undressing and preparation: You will be asked to undress to your comfort level and lie down on the massage table. The therapist will cover you with a towel or sheet, leaving only the area of your body being massaged exposed.

Massage: The therapist will use a variety of massage techniques to loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, and relieve tension. The type of massage you receive will depend on your needs and goals. For example, if you have chronic pain, you may receive a deep tissue massage. If you are feeling stressed, you may receive a Swedish massage.

Redressing and follow-up: After the massage, you will have time to redress and relax. The therapist may also provide you with some self-care tips to help you maintain the benefits of the massage.

Massage sessions can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water before and after your massage to help flush out toxins.

Here are some additional things to expect during a massage session:

The therapist will use a variety of massage strokes, including effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), and vibration.

The therapist may use oil or lotion to help the massage strokes glide over your skin.

The therapist may apply varying amounts of pressure, depending on your needs and preferences.

You may be asked to change positions during the massage so that the therapist can work on all areas of your body.

It is important to communicate with your therapist throughout the massage. Let them know if you experience any discomfort or if you would like them to adjust the pressure or speed of the massage.

Massage can be a very relaxing and therapeutic experience. It can help to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, relieve pain, and boost overall well-being.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system is a system of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

CST practitioners believe that restrictions in the craniosacral system can lead to a variety of health problems, including headaches, migraines, neck pain, back pain, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During a CST session, the practitioner will place their hands on the client's head, neck, and back. They will use a light touch to assess the craniosacral rhythm and identify any restrictions. Once the practitioner has identified a restriction, they will use gentle pressure to release it.

Sound therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses sound, music, and vibration to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. It has been used for centuries in many different cultures, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the West as a complementary or alternative therapy.

There are many different types of sound therapy, but they all work by using sound to entrain the brain and body into a more relaxed and balanced state. Entrainment is the process by which one vibrating system synchronizes with another. When we listen to music or other sounds, our brainwaves and heart rate can begin to sync up with the rhythm of the sound. This can lead to a number of positive effects, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Pain relief
• Increased energy and vitality
• Improved mood and emotional well-being
• Enhanced spiritual connection

Sound therapy can be used in a variety of ways. Some people simply listen to calming music or nature sounds to relax and de-stress. Others may participate in guided sound meditation or sound baths, which are immersive experiences that involve listening to a variety of instruments and sounds. Sound therapy can also be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga.