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It's no secret the spa and wellness industry has experienced aggressive growth over the past few decades. Most of this interest is in the bodywork and skincare side of the business. The exception was the backslide in 2020-2021, which was a traumatic few years for the hospitality industry and the planet's overall health. However, during the pandemic, the world had a chance to pause and evaluate the way we each choose to live our lives and decide if it was time to change some of our priorities. Many people prioritized living a healthier lifestyle and tapping into emotional and spiritual healing, which seemed essential after the trauma of the times. 

Not long ago, I took a phone call from a woman, we'll call her Jane. Janes's experience sums up a new trend we have seen over the last few years. The timid voice introduced herself, and begged my forgiveness for not knowing what she was talking about. I gently reassured her that she was in good hands and that we would do our best to help her find what she sought. Jane went on to explain that she was shedding a long-held belief system that she had been indoctrinated with as a child. She knew it was time to look in other directions for guidance and wanted to know more about our spiritual side of the menu. 

After learning more about her challenges and some of her interests, we paired her with our Sound Healing session. This experience is one of our most popular options for people looking to dip their toes in before jumping in head first. Vibrational healing has existed in many cultures for centuries and good reasons. On the surface, it is a beautiful concert of sound that people of any age or background can enjoy. As you take the experience deeper, the frequencies of the instruments realign the body on a cellular level.  

When the day came for Jane to join us, I was fortunate enough to meet her after her service. With tears rolling down her cheeks, she thanked me for making her feel comfortable enough to try something outside her comfort zone and asked, "What next?!" Jane returned the next three days, going deeper into learning about the ancient healing technology of our shamans and intuitive healers. Jane promised she would return at the end of her stay and expressed immense gratitude for opening her eyes to a new world. 

Jane's story is just one example of countless people looking for new ways to heal. Many of these people are being drawn towards ancient and traditional methods. We are seeing an enormous increase in services and experiences that take guests outside of the massage and facial standards of the spa industry. The momentum is so powerful for our next project, so we have dropped the spa moniker and shifted to the Healing Arts Studio label. We want guests to know that their desires are being heard, and we are here to help them on their journey towards wellness. 

Being based in Santa Fe, NM, we may have a little more of a spotlight on the unique wellness offerings, but my colleagues in other regions have shared that their experience has reflected ours. Sound healings, astrology, hypnotherapy, breathwork, qi gong, shamanic healings, acupuncture, and many other energy therapies have resurfaced and have become mainstream after living underground for so long. 

Many spas are going towards touchless services and modern technology-driven experiences; it's great, and any legitimate new healing modality should be explored. However, it is my mission to hold onto the healing traditions of the past. The ancient technologies have survived this long for a reason. I think it's time we all look to the past for a healthier future.