Hello, Winter

Winter feels like nature’s invitation to pause. The world slows, wrapped in frost and bare branches, and I feel that same pull inward. This is the season of stillness and quiet transformation, a time to honor the space between endings and beginnings.

As the darkest days of the year fade and we inch closer to the winter solstice, I’ve been reflecting on this past year—its lessons, its wins, and the moments I’d rather forget.

Earlier this year, my husband and I took a big leap. We sold our house, quit our jobs, and left our life in Austin to move back to Virginia, closer to family. People tell me, “That’s so brave!” but honestly, it didn’t feel like courage. It just felt right.

We were lucky to be held in that transition—living with Nick’s parents for six months while we figured things out, found jobs, and eventually landed in a house just down the road from mom and dad. It wasn’t something we ever planned, but here we are.

By fall, we moved into our new home, just in time to settle in before winter arrived. It’s been a smooth transition overall, yet I’ve struggled to let it feel that way. There’s been this disconnect—between my mind and body, between what is and how I see it. I keep noticing how much I resist change, clinging to old patterns even when I know better.

I felt called to leave the noise of the city, to find more peace, more space. My nervous system was practically begging me to go. And now I’m here, surrounded by the quiet of the Appalachian Mountains, feeling both held and unsteady. It’s been transition after transition, and my body keeps asking me to slow down, to listen.

But slowing down can be scary. I’ve been scared to sit with what’s inside, scared to feel what my body’s been holding on to. Still, little by little, it’s coming out.

And as I reflect, I see how much I have to be grateful for:

• A warm home that feels like ours.

• A partner who’s been by my side through it all.

• A new community where I can start to grow roots and share my gifts.

• The permission to not have all the answers yet.

Winter is showing me it’s okay to rest. I don’t have to push or strive. I’ve spent so much of my life in survival mode, but now? I’m learning how to simply be. To pause. To trust that this slower season is part of the cycle of growth.

As a bodyworker, I’m always helping others release tension and reconnect with themselves. This winter, I’m committing to do the same for myself. I’ve signed up for a 12-week program in Applied Polyvagal Theory in Trauma-Informed Yoga, a chance to deepen my connection with my own body and learn new ways to show up for myself and others.

I’ll also be stepping away from social media for a 12-week break. It feels like the right time to disconnect and focus inward. If you need me, I’ll still be offering bodywork at the Ritual Spa or in-home sessions—but otherwise, it’s rest season for me.

Winter has a way of teaching us about life’s cycles: growth and rest, light and dark, endings and beginnings. There’s no rush to bloom before spring. Right now, it’s enough to pause, breathe, and tend to what’s ready to grow next.

As we move through this season, I invite you to reflect, too. What lessons are you carrying with you from this past year? What seeds are you planting in the stillness of winter?

Here’s to the beauty of slowing down and the quiet growth it brings. Wishing you warmth, peace, and connection this season. I’ll see you on the other side.💚✨

My Journey into the Art of Engagement: Zero Balancing Workshop Reflections

I finished a 4-day workshop called Forms and Fulcrums 1: The Art of Engagement in Zero Balancing, taught by Michael Oruch. To say I’m feeling deeply moved would be an understatement. Michael Oruch, a beloved teacher and practitioner of Zero Balancing for nearly 30 years, he is the kind of teacher you know you’ll remember forever. He studied under the founder of Zero Balancing, Fritz Smith, and has since brought his own blend of wisdom, artistry, and the practice of Qigong into his teaching. This combination makes for a workshop that’s not just about learning the technicalities of Zero Balancing, but also about deeply connecting with ourselves and, through that connection, with our clients.

Michael teaches us that "we are only able to engage our clients to the degree we ourselves are engaged." To me, this means that the more centered, balanced, and at ease I am in my own body during a session, the more my client will feel that sense of calm, grounded presence as well. It’s an ongoing reminder that my own state directly influences the space I create for my clients. If I’m holding tension or struggling with my own alignment, that’s what will be communicated, consciously or not. But when I come to the table calm and balanced, that creates a space where healing can happen more freely and deeply.

This workshop has really emphasized proper form and finding ease in our bodies. Zero Balancing isn’t supposed to be hard work for the practitioner—it should flow, almost effortlessly. Fritz Smith, the founder of Zero Balancing, often said, “If you feel like you are working too hard, you are.” Michael has been teaching us to tune into our bodies, find the ease in our movements, and not push. So often, as bodyworkers, we think we need to exert force or strain to help our clients feel better. Michael’s approach is the opposite: He teaches us how to approach the body with presence and intentionality, rather than force. This is where the integration of Qigong comes in.

Qigong is an ancient practice that focuses on the cultivation and movement of energy, and it’s a perfect complement to Zero Balancing. Michael’s teaching shows us how to ground and center ourselves by moving from the lower dantian—a concept from Eastern practices. In Qigong, the dantian refers to three energetic centers in the body, and the lower dantian is considered the foundation. It’s where our sense of being, grounding, and connectedness to ourselves resides. When we work from this place, we create a strong, centered foundation, which makes it easier to engage with others in a more present and mindful way.

The lower dantian corresponds to the lower chakras, grounding us to the earth and our physical bodies. The middle dantian is related to our heart and solar plexus chakras, balancing our emotional energy. The upper dantian, located around the third eye, is where our connection to the spiritual or intuitive realm resides. Michael teaches us to connect to this lower dantian to find stability and ease within ourselves, which then flows into how we engage with our clients and our surroundings.

But beyond just the technicality of form, this workshop has been profoundly transformative on a personal level. Zero Balancing has truly changed my life, not just as a practitioner, but as a person. It’s a modality that goes beyond physical touch—it’s an entire way of existing in the world, and it’s changed how I show up for myself and for others. For so long, I lived outside my body—disconnected, numb, and often unaware of the ways I was pushing myself through life. I’ve carried symptoms of complex PTSD for most of my life, and for many years, I didn’t even realize how much of my existence was shaped by that trauma.

The past seven years have been a journey of awakening—becoming more aware of how dysfunctional and unhealthy my ways of moving through the world were. I’ve done a lot of inner work, and while much of that has been healing, it wasn’t until I began practicing Zero Balancing over the past 18 months that I’ve felt a real, lasting connection to my own body.

It’s hard to put into words, but Zero Balancing has allowed me to experience myself in a way that is deeply compassionate and connected. It’s like I’ve finally found the ability to show up for myself in a way I had never experienced before. Through this practice, I’ve learned to hold myself with more presence, more tenderness, and more patience. I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down, to feel, and to listen. Most importantly, I’ve learned that my own healing journey can only move forward when I am grounded in my own self-awareness and centered in my own body.

Every time I work on a client, I feel more deeply attuned to this process. The art of engagement that Michael teaches us in this workshop isn’t just about the physical techniques or the correct form; it’s about being fully present in the moment, in our bodies, and in the space we create for healing to unfold.

To me, Zero Balancing is a transformative modality because it has changed not only how I practice but also how I live my life. It has taught me how to come back home to my body in a way that feels nourishing, compassionate, and deeply healing. And I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to share that same gift with others.

I’m still processing all of the wisdom I’m receiving in this workshop, and I’m excited to continue growing both as a practitioner and as a person. But for now, I just want to share this: Zero Balancing isn’t just a technique—it’s a way of being.

Why Choose Mobile Massage and Receive Bodywork at Home?

As both a Zero Balancing practitioner and oncology massage therapist, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients in a variety of settings—some who visit the studios I work, others who prefer the sanctuary of their own homes. While I’m passionate about bodywork in any form, I’m particularly drawn to the power of in-home sessions. There’s something incredibly special about bringing the healing art of touch into a space where you already feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.

We all know the obvious reasons to invest in self-care: stress relief, relaxation, and the much-needed break from the demands of life. But there’s a whole other layer to the experience when you choose to receive bodywork at home—especially when it’s done with the intention to support your whole being.

As someone who works with people recovering from illness or injury, and those dealing with the daily stressors of life, I truly believe that bodywork is not just a luxury but a sacred practice. The benefits extend far beyond what you might imagine, and receiving that care in the comfort of your home can make the experience even more profound.

Let’s explore the not-so-obvious reasons why receiving bodywork in your own space can be a game-changer.

1. Space to Integrate and Process the Experience

When you schedule a bodywork session, you’re investing in yourself—your body, your mind, your well-being. Whether you’re receiving a Zero Balancing session to realign the flow of energy or an oncology massage designed to ease the effects of cancer treatment, bodywork can leave you feeling lighter, more grounded, and more attuned to your own needs. But here’s the thing: once the session ends, the process isn’t over.

In a studio or clinic, the tendency is to rush back into your routine, often before you’ve had a chance to fully absorb the benefits of the session. The traffic, the commute, the busy street outside—it all disrupts the peace you’ve just cultivated.

At home, you can take the time to let the effects of the session linger. You’ve already made the investment in yourself—why not create space for the healing process to deepen? Make some tea, light a candle, or indulge in a nourishing meal. Journaling or meditating can help integrate the bodywork experience, giving your mind and body the time to truly settle.

By staying home, you honor your body’s wisdom and give yourself permission to rest in whatever way feels right. The benefits don’t need to end as soon as the session is over. This is your time.

2. A Sacred, Healing Space

I see bodywork as a deeply sacred practice—it’s not just about releasing tight muscles or relaxing your nervous system (though both are incredibly important!). Bodywork is about connecting with your own body, honoring what it needs, and creating space for healing. When done in the comfort of your own home, that space becomes even more powerful.

Your home is where you feel most connected to yourself, and it’s where your body feels most safe. The familiar surroundings create a sense of trust, allowing your nervous system to fully relax and open to the healing process. When the body is in a safe environment, it’s much more receptive to the subtle shifts that bodywork can provide.

For my oncology massage clients, the importance of this sacred space cannot be overstated. Cancer treatment can often leave the body feeling vulnerable, fatigued, and out of balance. Receiving massage in a private, familiar space not only reduces any sense of vulnerability but also allows the body to relax more fully, making it easier for the healing process to take root. It’s about creating an environment where the body can rest, restore, and rejuvenate.

3. A Deeper Connection Between Mind, Body, and Home

Receiving bodywork in your home invites a unique sense of connection between your mind, body, and environment. In my practice, I often see clients who have disconnected from their bodies due to chronic pain, trauma, or illness. Touch can be incredibly restorative, but when it’s performed in a clinical setting, it can sometimes feel like a transactional experience.

At home, however, you have the opportunity to bring the ritual of bodywork into your daily life. You can make your space conducive to healing—whether that means turning off your phone, dimming the lights, or playing soft music that speaks to your soul. You create a moment of stillness in which you can listen to your body and be present with yourself in a way that’s difficult to achieve in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

For my oncology clients, this sense of sanctuary is vital. Cancer treatment can cause both physical and emotional upheaval. When clients receive bodywork at home, they’re able to relax in a place that holds their memories, their family, their comfort. It’s a reminder that their body is a place of healing, not just illness.

4. Fewer Distractions = Greater Relaxation

One of the key benefits of in-home bodywork is fewer distractions. In a clinical setting, there are often multiple people coming in and out of the room, the sound of doors opening, or the beeping of machines. While these distractions might be minor, they can take you out of the moment and hinder your ability to relax completely.

At home, you’re in control of your space. Whether you prefer silence, soothing music, or the sound of nature, you can create an environment that supports deep relaxation. Zero Balancing sessions, in particular, benefit from this kind of environment, as they are designed to help release tension not just in the muscles but in the bones and connective tissues. When the environment is calm and private, your body can release deep-held stress and emotional blocks.

For oncology patients, in particular, the quiet, uninterrupted environment of home offers much-needed peace during what can often be a stressful time. There’s no need to worry about making it to your appointment on time or navigating a busy clinic. You can simply show up to your space and allow the bodywork to do its magic.

5. The Gift of Personal Care

In-home bodywork is also about personalized attention. When you receive massage or bodywork at home, the focus is entirely on you. There are no other clients to divide the therapist’s attention, and you have the luxury of telling your practitioner exactly what you need in the moment.

Whether you’re looking to ease muscle tension, reduce stress, or simply feel more connected to your body, a therapist can tailor the session to your specific needs. As a Zero Balancing practitioner, I often work with clients to restore balance between the body’s structure and energy, while oncology massage helps alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Both modalities require a sensitive, personalized approach, which is easier to provide when we’re not working in a busy, public space.

This attention to detail can make a huge difference in how you experience bodywork. When you’re receiving bodywork at home, it’s as though you’re giving yourself permission to receive the best possible care.

Final Thoughts: A Ritual of Rest and Rejuvenation

Whether it’s a Zero Balancing session to release tension in the body’s deeper layers, or an oncology massage to help your body recover from the side effects of cancer treatments, receiving bodywork at home is more than just a service—it’s a ritual of rest and rejuvenation.

You’ve already made the investment in your well-being—why not honor it by allowing the benefits to linger? Take your time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the peacefulness that follows your session. Let your home be the sanctuary for your healing process, a space that offers both physical and emotional nourishment.

As a practitioner, I’ve seen the profound impact of in-home sessions. Bodywork isn’t just about muscle release; it’s about creating balance and harmony within your entire system. And when that experience is nurtured in the comfort of your own home, it becomes not just a treatment, but a transformative ritual.

You deserve it. Make the time to care for yourself—and allow the healing to unfold, long after the session ends.

Zero Balancing, the Spine, and Chakras: Aligning Your Inner Energies with Ease and Grace

We often think of our bodies as simply physical structures that carry us through life. But what if we viewed our bodies as intricate systems of energy, deeply connected to our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being? This is where practices like Zero Balancing, spinal health, and chakra alignment come into play—each a powerful tool in helping us understand and balance the subtle energies that flow through our bodies.

In this post, we’ll dive into the fascinating connections between Zero Balancing, the spine, and the chakras, exploring how each element plays a role in your overall sense of vitality and balance. Don't worry—we'll keep it light, relatable, and easy to digest (pun intended!).

What is Zero Balancing?

Zero Balancing (often abbreviated as ZB) is a gentle, hands-on bodywork technique that focuses on balancing the body's energy and structure, particularly the bones, joints, and connective tissues. Developed by Dr. Fritz Smith, an osteopath, in the 1970s, Zero Balancing aims to release tension and restore harmony in the body by addressing both physical and energetic imbalances.

At the heart of Zero Balancing is the idea that the body’s bones and energy fields are deeply interconnected. The technique involves skilled touch to assess the body's energy patterns and apply subtle pressure to restore balance, often working along energy pathways and points related to the spine and chakra system.

The Spine: The Root of It All

Let’s talk about the spine. If the body were a tree, the spine would be the trunk that connects everything—from the roots (your feet) to the branches (your head). It’s a key structure, but also the central pathway for the nervous system, which means it plays a vital role in how we experience both physical sensations and emotional states.

In Zero Balancing, much of the work focuses on the spine because it's not just the physical backbone of our body—it’s also where energy flows. Think of the spine as a conduit for the flow of life force, or prana (as it's called in yoga), and you begin to understand why a well-aligned spine can lead to a more grounded, clear, and centered feeling in life.

When the spine is misaligned or tense, it can block or distort this energy flow. This is why so many of us experience discomfort, tension, or emotional dissonance when we're stressed, anxious, or overloaded. Zero Balancing works to ease this tension, allowing the spine to restore its natural alignment and help energy move freely through the body.

The Chakras: Energy Centers in Your Body

Now, let’s bring the chakras into the picture. In the traditional Eastern system, chakras are energy centers that align along the spine, from the base (root chakra) all the way to the crown of your head (crown chakra). There are seven main chakras, each governing different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

When your chakras are balanced and aligned, you feel vibrant, calm, and connected. But when one or more chakras become blocked or unbalanced, it can manifest as physical discomfort, emotional distress, or a sense of being "off-center."

Here’s a quick overview of the chakras and their connection to the spine:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine, this chakra is all about grounding, stability, and your connection to the Earth. If blocked, you might feel anxious, insecure, or ungrounded.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Located just below the navel, it governs creativity, sensuality, and emotional well-being. When out of balance, you might feel disconnected from your passions or experience emotional turbulence.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Situated around the stomach area, this chakra is the seat of personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. Blockages here may lead to low self-worth or lack of motivation.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Located at the center of the chest, this chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional balance. An imbalance here might manifest as feelings of isolation or difficulty in relationships.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Found at the throat, this chakra is related to communication and self-expression. A blocked throat chakra can lead to difficulty speaking your truth or fear of expressing yourself.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Located between the eyebrows, it governs intuition, wisdom, and inner vision. An imbalanced third eye chakra may result in lack of clarity or feeling disconnected from your inner guidance.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Positioned at the top of the head, this chakra is the gateway to higher consciousness, spirituality, and connection to the universe. A blockage here can make you feel disconnected from your higher self or sense of purpose.

How Zero Balancing Supports the Spine and Chakras

In Zero Balancing sessions, the practitioner uses gentle, precise touch to help realign the bones and energy flows along the spine. This approach can affect the chakras directly. By releasing tension in the spine and surrounding areas, Zero Balancing helps clear blockages and restore the smooth flow of energy through each of the chakra centers.

For example:

• If you have tension around your lower back or pelvis, a Zero Balancing session might help clear energy blockages around the root chakra, promoting a sense of stability and grounding.

• Tightness in the upper back or chest may release blockages in the heart chakra, making it easier to feel compassion and connection to yourself and others.

• If you're experiencing mental fog or difficulty focusing, ZB work on the throat and third eye regions can help release energetic blockages, allowing for greater clarity and self-expression.

In short, by working with the spine and subtle energies of the body, Zero Balancing is a powerful tool for helping to open and align the chakras. When your chakras are open and balanced, you may notice an increased sense of vitality, emotional resilience, and spiritual clarity.

The Benefits of Zero Balancing for Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

So, why should you consider Zero Balancing as a practice to support your health? Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Enhanced Energy Flow: Zero Balancing promotes better circulation of energy through your body, allowing you to feel more energized and connected to your inner vitality.

• Deeper Relaxation: The deep, gentle touch of Zero Balancing helps release accumulated tension and stress, leading to a profound sense of relaxation and peace.

• Emotional Clarity: As energy blockages are released, many people experience a sense of emotional release, clarity, and a greater ability to process difficult emotions.

• Better Posture and Movement: By realigning the spine and encouraging better energy flow, Zero Balancing can support improved posture and greater freedom of movement in the body.

• Spiritual Alignment: When your spine and chakras are in alignment, many people report feeling more connected to their spiritual self, with a heightened sense of purpose and inner peace.

Wrapping It Up

Zero Balancing is a truly holistic practice that connects the physical body, the spine, and the energetic body (the chakras) to help you feel more balanced, vibrant, and at ease. Whether you're seeking to release physical tension, emotional blockages, or just want to experience a deeper sense of alignment, Zero Balancing offers a gentle and powerful way to tap into your body's innate healing potential.

If you're curious about how Zero Balancing can support you, consider seeking out a practitioner to experience it firsthand. Your spine, chakras, and energy field will thank you for it—and who knows? You might just walk away with a little extra bounce in your step and a brighter outlook on life!

Stay balanced, stay connected—and remember, sometimes the simplest shifts in the body can bring about the most profound transformations. 💫

The Power of the Heart: A Gentle Reminder

Recently, my mentor reminded me about something so simple, yet so profound: the power of the heart.

The heart is not just a physical organ. It’s multidimensional. It’s connected to everything, to every part of us. When we tune into the heart, we tap into a wisdom that is both ancient and infinite.

You can use the heart to communicate with your whole body—especially with the parts that may be speaking to you through pain. Pain, in its many forms, is often a cry for attention, an invitation to listen more deeply. When we drop into the heart space, we create a bridge between our body and our consciousness, allowing us to connect with the messages beneath the surface.

Every time I feel fear creeping in, I remind myself to drop into the heart. How can I feel fear when I am made of love, made of light, made of God? We are supported by the universe in ways we can’t always comprehend. The only thing standing in our way is the small part of us called the ego—the part that tries to control what we cannot understand.

The heart invites us to step beyond that ego and into a right relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. It’s not about controlling what we can’t see or understand; it’s about trusting, surrendering, and being open to the flow of life.

When we come from the heart, we come from a place of alignment—where the mind, body, and spirit can work together in harmony. We realize that we are not alone in our journey, and that everything around us is in support of our growth. The heart reminds us that love, peace, and truth are our birthright, and they are always available to us, in every moment.

So, today, I invite you to pause and drop into your heart. Let it guide you. Let it speak to you. And remember, the power of the heart is always here, always waiting, always supporting you.

May you feel safe.

May you be happy.

May you be healthy.

May you live in peace.

Cancer: A Difficult Journey, But Not One You Have to Face Alone

Let’s face it: cancer is incredibly hard. There’s no way around it.

For many years, the word “cancer” would make my heart sink. The thought of being diagnosed, or watching a loved one go through cancer treatments, can feel frightening and overwhelming. It’s a tough journey for everyone involved. But I’ve come to understand that, with the right care, support, and love, cancer doesn’t have to define the entire journey of life. It’s just one chapter.

When I was ten years old, my mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant. I knew it was something serious, but no one really talked to me about it. I just saw my mom struggling, and felt helpless. The experience was made harder by the language barrier—my mom didn’t speak English well, so she relied on my dad to translate everything, from her diagnosis to her treatment plans. It was isolating for her.

Thankfully, my mom survived her cancer. But the experience left a deep impression on me. What I saw in her was more than just physical pain; I saw emotional pain too. My mom believed that she was being punished for something she had done in her past—her smoking as a young woman. She carried a heavy burden of guilt and shame, and I saw how it weighed on her every day. She went through all of this largely on her own, never feeling fully supported in the way she needed.

I wish it could have been different for her. I wish she could have been surrounded by compassionate support, and helped to understand that cancer isn’t anyone’s fault. I wish I could have seen her free herself from the self-criticism, the guilt, and the fear.

That’s why I chose to become an oncology massage therapist.

While I can't change the past, I can be there for others facing similar battles. Oncology massage is a special type of therapy designed for people with cancer. It uses gentle techniques to help alleviate common symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea. It’s a way of offering comfort, peace, and relief when people need it most.

There’s something profoundly healing about being able to let go of tension and feel safe and nurtured in your own body. That’s what I create for others—a safe space where healing can begin, where the mind and body can find freedom from pain and fear.

If you or someone you know is navigating cancer, please know that you’re not alone. There’s always hope, even when it feels hard to see. With the right care, compassion, and support, cancer doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it’s just part of the journey.

Fire Cider - DIY Immunity Booster

I’m keeping this one short and sweet… or should I say short and spicy? 😆

One of my fall rituals is preparing a batch of an old folk remedy called fire cider.

Fire cider is an apple cider vinegar infusion of herbs that boost our digestive juices keeping our immune system functioning efficiently, especially during the cold winter months. There are plenty of resources of fire cider listed on the web, my personal favorite is Rosemary Gladstar. She fought to keep trade marketing away from fire cider, honoring the history that fire cider belongs to the people. I have a special place in my heart for her. Check out her story online and find her simple fire cider recipe listed below to make in your own home! 

Also in my heart, is a special witchy-being, Samantha from Austin, TX. Every fall, I think of her and the classes she opened to her community teaching about the power of plants and herbs, their wisdom and healing ability. My time with her laid the foundation into my mystic, witchy ways. I’ll always be grateful 💖. 

Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider Recipe:

1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root

1/2 cup or more of chopped onions

1/4 cup or more of chopped garlic

1/4 cup or more grated ginger

Cayenne pepper, fresh (chop it up) or dried (flaked or ground), to taste

Apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic)

Honey 

Directions:

1. Place the herbs in a half-gallon mason jar and add enough vinegar to cover them by 3 to 4 inches. Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a cool, dark spot and let it sit for 3 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar everyday to help in the maceration process.

2. After 3 to 4 weeks, strain out the herbs, reserving the liquid. Warm the honey (so that it mixes well) and add it to the vinegar, to taste. “To taste” means your fire cider should be hot, spicy, and sweet. “A little bit of honey helps the medicine go down…” The honey also helps cool the heat, moistens, and balances all the fiery ingredients.

3. Bottle, label, and enjoy! Fire cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. 

4. A small shot glass daily serves as an excellent tonic. Or take fire cider by teaspoons throughout the day if you feel a cold coming on. Take it more frequently, if necessary, to help your immune system do battle.

<<Witchy Bonus>>

Depending on your intention, you can prepare and infuse the fire cider batch from new moon to new moon or full moon to full moon and say a little blessing ✨

Changing with Fall

Fall is a season that symbolizes change and letting go as we move from the hot, vibrant summer into the cold, silent winter. Fall is the in between, and as the trees embrace the change of color and releasing of their leaves, we too can prepare our bodies (and our minds) to let go as we enter the winter months ahead.

There are many practices available to honor this shift in nature and with our bodies. I find Ayurveda a fascinating way of living in alignment with nature. Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga, dating back 5,000 years. I’ve become accustomed to Ayurvedic practices and the Kitchari Cleanse. A kitchari cleanse is a mono-diet made of mung-beans (an easy to digest and nourishing legume) and beneficial spices to cleanse and support our organs. Kitchari is like a yummy, warm porridge. It is a gentle cleanse that gives our bodily systems a chance to reset.  

An autumn and spring kitchari cleanse is now a yearly ritual. It maintains my balance and strengthens immunity as the seasons change.

Another beneficial seasonal ritual that can support the body through the seasonal transition is a lymphatic drainage massage. 

The lymphatic system plays a big role in the immune response and waste removal. It functions like a giant washing machine for the body, cleansing and renewing the cells. 

A lymphatic massage can offer several benefits, especially in the fall: 

1. Boosted Immunity: As cold and flu season approaches, lymphatic massage can help enhance immune function by stimulating lymph flow and facilitating the removal of toxins.

2. Reduced Seasonal Allergies: It may help alleviate symptoms of allergies by reducing congestion and promoting clearer airways.

3. Improved Circulation: The change in temperature during fall can lead to circulation issues; lymphatic massage can improve blood flow and support overall circulation.

4. Detoxification: As the body prepares for winter, lymphatic massage aids in detoxifying and refreshing the system, which can help with energy levels.

5. Stress Relief: With the transition to shorter days and holiday preparations, lymphatic massage can reduce stress and promote relaxation, benefiting mental heath.

Incorporating lymphatic massage into your fall wellness ritual can support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

If you feel called to a practice that honors the change of the seasons, I encourage you to explore the practices of our ancestors, those that lived in accordance with the rhythms of nature. There is much wisdom to be found and who knows what you will discover?! For example, I learned that my Korean ancestors visited the JjimJilBang or the bathhouse as a way to honor their bodies during the seasonal changes. Communal soaks in baths is how they connected with themselves, their families, and their community. They would unwind in the soaks and saunas, release and renew with a Korean body scrub, and find nourishment in warm soups while connecting with one another. This is now one of my favorite fall time rituals; to spend a day at the Korea bathhouse with my husband so that we can slow down, decompress and rejuvenate 💖.

As always, do your own research and find what resonates with you. (Side note: Once I started engaging in seasonal rituals, I noticed a decrease in symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Interesting, huh?)

I’m curious about your fall rituals? What do they include? How do they support you during the changing seasons? Another one of my favorites is the preparation of Fire Cider… stay tuned for the next blog where I’ll share the history of this old folk herbal remedy for colds, an easy DIY vinegar infusion for immunity support. And then we can be witchy together :)

What is Holistic? My Healing Journey

What’s holistic? If you asked me this 7 years ago, I’d answer “Heck if I know.”

Now I know holistic living is acceptance of all parts of myself, embodiment of highest regard towards all, and living in right relationship with all beings including nature.

My healing journey started back in 2017.  A time when my personal and professional life was a hot mess. Emotional baggage from my childhood and young adulthood was wreaking havoc in all areas of my life. I was on medication to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and ADD. I was dependent on Adderall to get me through the day. Nothing was working. I took an enzyme test to differentiate which medications metabolize best with my body. The results revealed that every medication I have ever taken to manage depression and stabilize my mood was listed as noncompatible. This was my sign that my body did not want or need medication. I quit everything, including birth control. My husband and I packed our bags and we moved halfway across the country to Austin, Texas.

Of course, my issues followed, but the situation was different. Austin has a vibrant alternative healing community and I was out exploring and learning in various support groups. The common theme in the groups: trauma. That’s when I first became aware of my own trauma. My past was layered with unprocessed traumatic experiences starting from preverbal childhood, the womb even. The pain of my ancestors. I had not learned how to self regulate and process in a healthy manner. Instead, I learned to mask and push through. I suffered and managed my pain with substance abuse and toxic behavior.  I was diagnosed with Complex-PTSD and the peeling of the onion began.

• I had to learn to be with my emotions.

• To sit and observe without judgement.

• To FEEL my emotions.

• I had to learn to rewire my brain and internal dialogue.

• Change the old stories.

• Release old judgments and criticism. Release the shame.

• I had to learn how to practice compassion and forgiveness.

• How to self regulate in a way that supports my wellbeing.

• Create boundaries.

• Be in-tune with my body and its needs.

• Create loving and supportive relationships.

• I received bodywork. Lots and lots of bodywork (massage therapy, acupuncture, cranio-sacral therapy, and Zero Balancing). Other mentionable therapies I deep dived: Family Constellations, EMDR, ACIM, Plant medicine & Ceremony.

It has been a wild ride, and I came through finding strength in softness. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

My introduction to a holistic way of being was to become aware, nourish and love all parts of myself: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

As I continued to dive into alternative healing and explore spiritual practices (yoga, Ayurveda and shamanism), my understanding of holistic spiraled outward. Now it includes living in right relationship with all beings, living in tune with Mother Nature (her rhythms and cycles), and living harmoniously and in balance.

Zero Balancing as a bodywork has rooted these principles in my practice. It’s simply about balance in being, functioning from the core self and living in alignment with heaven and earth.

Today, I’m delighted to offer the same tools that had helped on my journey to self-realization to others seeking. There is more than one way up the mountain and if bodywork and inner work appeal to you, then I’m here for you along the way.

Come and meet me at the table.

May you feel safe.

May you be happy.

May you be healthy.

May you live in peace.