Reflexology uses pressure points on the feet that corollate with different areas of the body. When these pressure points are manipulated they engage the area of the brain associated with the corresponding organs and stimulate your body's natural processes of healing. This activation can release tension, increase or balance productions of bodily fluids such as hormones, relieve pain, and more. Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive complementary modality that supports the body's own natural healing abilities. Our body has everything it needs to heal itself but when there is an imbalance there is intervention required to support in returning to balance or homeostasis.

Reflexology is a great way to relax. Each session begins with an herbal food soak to cleanse, warm, soften, and prepare your feet to absorb the herbal oils and physical manipulation.

Reiki is an ancient complementary therapy that works with the client's energetic field within and around the physical body. It is based on the principle that we are all energetic beings, that energy is universal energy sometimes known as Chi, and it is stored in our auric fields. Our energy has a vibration and frequency, and due to past or current traumas, physically, mentally, or emotionally, that energy can sometimes become stagnant or blocked. The Reiki Practitioner is trained to open these blockages and help facilitate a process of healing. All treatments are done in a safe and cozy environment, the client will be clothed and lying face up on a table with pillows and blankets to make sure the client feels comfortable during the session. Each client's experience is unique to them but they can expect, if nothing else, an hour of peaceful relaxation.

Nature and Forest Therapy, often called Forest Bathing, is inspired by the Japanese practice Shinrin-Yoku. This is a health promoting, nature connection practice that aims to enhance well-being, relieve stress, and encourage relaxation. It is underpinned by mindfulness principles, encouraging the opening of the senses to the forest atmosphere, slowing down, breathing, and fostering an emotional connection to the landscape. It engages in an effortless attention. It helps us reconnect to our place, the Earth, the other-than-human world, ourselves, and our community. In a time when our lives are overwhelming and over stimulating, this subtle practice grounds us and brings us to a place of balance and connection.

An experienced and well trained Forest Therapy Guide leads you through a natural area providing education on the land as well as carefully worded and timed guided invitation, a series of sensory invitations facilitating explorations in nature. The Forest Therapy Guide holds the space so that you can completely immerse in the experience with the more-than-human world.

While immersed in nature we slow down, tune into our senses and allow for deep connection, introspection, reflection, and sharing. We cultivate the practice of stillness as we focus our attention within ourselves and the natural environment around us. We don’t travel far on a Forest Therapy Walk, as this is about the journey not the distance.

Each participant has a unique experience as each receives the invitations in ways that feel right for them. There is no incorrect way to receive an invitation and our body’s will only go as deep as is comfortable for us. As we cultivate connection to the non-human elements in our natural environment we intuitively connect with ourselves a little deeper.

Benefits
Nature & Forest Therapy is an evidence-based practice. Studies show that slowing down in nature reduces stress levels and blood pressure and boosts our immune systems. It improves mental health and enhances brain power and creativity. Indigenous peoples have long taught that a strong bond between humans and the more-than-human world is essential for the health of all. Modern science is now catching up with this ancient wisdom.

Why a guide?
The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors. A Forest Therapy Guide gently offers a path to the present moment and to deeper levels of attentiveness to the gifts of nature. A specific sequence of invitations helps us shift from our chronically stressed state of coping with the demands of modern life, to a place of calm awareness. There, we can make meaning of our lives and new insights and healing can arise.

What to Expect
A walk is 1.5 to 3 hrs long. It's not a workout. We move slowly and pause often. The guide offers "invitations" to help you rest your mind, slow down, and awaken your senses to each moment unfolding around and within you. Participants branch out for short explorations, solo or in pairs, and then circle up and have an opportunity to share stories. We end with a tea ceremony to receive a deeper experience from a plant from the trail we've been walking and give thanks to the Earth for her gift.