If there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s healing outside of the box. There is so much out there available to you if you know where to look. I’m always on the hunt for new things to try, both for myself and to help others. Not everything will work for everyone, but it’s fun experimenting. I’m going to share 12 ideas, one for each month, to help you heal your mind, body and soul. Many of these I’ve tried myself, and some are on my list to try this year. Take what you’re called to and leave the rest 🙂
January - Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
What is it?
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is a deep tissue oil massage with assisted yoga stretches and joint mobilisations. It’s carried out on the floor so the therapist can use all of their body weight for a deeper massage.
Why should you try it?
AYM helps release both physical and emotional blockages, including trauma. The energy of trauma is stored in our body tissues (primarily muscles and fascia) until it can be released. Bodywork such as AYM is one way to do this.
My experience
I had several treatments and really felt the benefits. The weeks following my sessions I felt like I released a lot emotionally. If you’ve suffered from some form of trauma, sometimes your logical mind might feel ‘over it’ before your body does. I’d already worked through a lot of my trauma with talk therapy, but I knew I had to work on releasing it from the body too.
February - Astrology birth chart reading
What is it?
An astrology birth chart or natal chart uses the exact date, time and location of your birth to re-create a snapshot of the sky at your precise moment of arrival. It contains powerful information about the types of energies you were exposed to at your precise moment of birth and speaks of your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth.
Why should you try it?
Your chart is completely unique to you and is an incredible tool to help you navigate life. It’s like receiving hyper-personalised advice for all areas of your life. Of course you could try and read the chart yourself, but they get very very complicated, so it really pays to have a professional do it for you. If you’re working on developing your self-awareness or have an important life decision coming up, then having a natal chart reading can prove to be very helpful.
My experience
I can’t recommend it enough. Since having my chart read and then learning how to read it myself I’ve become obsessed and can’t stop delving deeper and deeper. And this has happened because everything I learn is SO spot on. It’s really helped me understand myself better, be more compassionate with myself and also guided my next big life decisions. I know it’s now a tool I will use for life. If you want to discover more about what magic your chart holds then read a blog I've written here.
March - Sound Bath
What is it?
A sound bath is a holistic healing practice that uses various sounds and vibrations to promote relaxation, meditation and overall wellbeing. These vibrations have the ability to create great change within us. It’s believed to work by aligning the body’s energy centres, promoting a flow of energy.
Why should you try it?
It helps you enter a state of deep relaxation and has been found to lower stress levels and anxiety. If you struggle to switch off or meditate on your own then a sound bath could really support you. And not only does it help you to relax, but it facilitates emotional release, stimulates creativity and clears stagnant energy in the body. Many of these effects happen at a cellular level without you even needing to be fully conscious of all the benefits.
My experience
I love sound baths! I struggle to meditate sometimes but I find sound healing really helps me switch off my thoughts. I can also really feel the vibrations move through me, as if they are moving the stagnant energy through my body. I always leave feeling more balanced. And even if you don’t feel these effects, I find it’s just an act of self-love by dedicating an hour to just resting and slowing down in this busy world.
April - Breathwork ceremony
What is it?
Breathwork is an active meditation used to move stagnant energy and release suppressed emotions. Breathing is one of our most basic and essential activities, however many of us are spending most of the day shallow breathing. The practice of deep, conscious breathing can be transformative. A breathwork ceremony often involves a group of people doing breathwork together and can also incorporate sound, energetic healing, somatics and aromatherapy.
Why should you try it?
Breathwork is a powerful modality that guides you towards self-discovery and release, whilst teaching you to live in the present moment. Breathwork is a wonderful relaxation tool, but it also has the potential to heal your past and elevate your consciousness. By taking conscious control of your breath you can use it as a vehicle to create a shift in your physiology and state of mind. Breathwork is for anyone and is one of the most accessible healing tools available.
My experience
I’ve always favoured breathwork over meditation and have practised on and off for a couple of years. However my intention is to start incorporating breathwork into my daily life on a regular basis. I have attended group meditation classes but never a breathwork one. I have found a new studio in London I’m desperate to try called Soul Space Studio and plan on visiting very soon. I know there is so much power in breathwork that I’m yet to fully harvest.
May - Womb Massage
What is it?
Womb massages have existed for centuries and are an ancient practice in many different cultures. It is an external and non-invasive massage that focuses on the lower abdomen and pelvis area but can also include massaging the back, sacrum, bum, hips, thighs, ribs, heart and breasts.
Why should you try it?
There are many benefits to having a womb massage. There are the physical benefits of reproductive health and fertility, but it actually goes way beyond this. Womb massages also help release emotional tension and activate regenerative healing.
The womb is a powerful place in a female body, both physically and spiritually. It is a space of deep intuition, where women can connect with their inner wisdom and spiritual guidance. Many spiritual practices and traditions honor the womb as a sacred space and use it as a focal point for healing, meditation, and spiritual connection. By tapping into the power of the womb and connecting with its spiritual significance, women can access a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to the divine feminine.
My experience
I have booked in for my first 4 hour ceremonial womb massage next month and I’m beyond excited. I’ve had my eye on this offering for a long time, and now feels like the right time. This year I’m committed to awakening my feminine sensuality and power, and I feel in my heart that it all starts with healing my womb space. I know I’m holding a lot here, both ancestrally and also my own trauma. It’s time to let it all go. After the massage I will share more on what to expect in another piece of writing.
June - Plant Medicine Ceremony
What is it?
Although you may first think of psychedelics such as mushrooms or Ayahuasca when you hear plant medicine ceremony, you can also sit in a ceremony with milder plants such as cacao or blue lotus. Many cultures around the world have given plants great spiritual meaning, and different plants can facilitate profound healing and transformation. Plant medicine ceremonies provide a safe and controlled environment to give our body the opportunity to release stored trauma and connect to our higher selves and consciousness.
Why should you try it?
Depending on how deep you want to go there are many different plants available to facilitate your healing. Cacao ceremonies usually involve a communal gathering with a sacred circle, music and of course, ceremonial cacao. However you can also have it daily as part of your morning ritual. Enjoying ceremonial cacao can help you connect with your heart and be a gentle guide through transformational consciousness shifts.
If you want to experience big shifts in consciousness, then perhaps you could consider psychedelics. Plant medicine such as mushrooms and ayahuasca provide an opportunity to process and discharge trauma and stress from the nervous system and the body, where it is stored. This helps us mentally recharge, improves mood and enhances our overall wellbeing.
My experience
I am new to plant medicine and am yet to try psychedelics. It is something I’ve been feeling into for a couple of years now as I don’t think they should ever be jumped into head first. But I do feel ready this year to take my healing to a new level and reach higher levels of consciousness. My one piece of advice would be to listen to your body, don’t rush into anything and make sure you do your research and find a facilitator you can trust. Don’t take part because it’s a fad. Plants are powerful and can reveal a lot, so you need to be ready to face whatever is going to come up.
July - Tarot Card/ Psychic Reading
What is it?
Tarot is a divination tool that uses illustrated cards as a way to peer into the future or examine hidden aspects of a situation. Others use it as a therapeutic resource or simply a support for thinking outside the box. Psychics on the other hand are generally receiving information through hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling, or seeing, and are then able to relay that information back to the seeker to help answer questions. They pick up on energies and are able to use the details they receive to uncover and make sense of the larger picture for you.
Why should you try it?
Sometimes we get so caught up in our way of thinking we can’t see the bigger picture. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these readings can really help you think outside of the box and view events and experiences from a different perspective.
And if you do believe in spirit and greater forces (I certainly do!) then these readings can be hugely comforting to know there are bigger energies at play that always supporting us. If you’re looking for some guidance for a particular situation, or are going through a tough time and want reassurance that there is meaning behind it all, then a reading can provide that for you.
My experience
I’ve had several readings over the past few years, all from different psychics, and each one has provided me with exactly what I needed. I was sceptical when I went to my first tarot reading, but it’s almost as if everything that was revealed in my spread was exactly what I needed to hear. The same goes for my psychic readings. It really strengthened my connection to spirituality and this has helped me find more peace and joy in my everyday life. I’m now more sure than ever that my life has a higher purpose that goes beyond the physical world and I’m able to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
August - A weekend off-grid
What is it?
A weekend off-grid is any stay where you can disconnect from the digital world. It usually involves staying somewhere in nature, away from civilisation. And for a real bonus off-grid stay, find somewhere that doesn't have any electricity either. Then you’ll really feel yourself returning to your primal roots.
Why should you try it?
“Our material possessions are pared down to the essentials and as such we connect to nature, time and ourselves in a different way.” I think this quote perfectly summarises why you should consider an off-grid stay. We are so distracted in today's busy world and think we need so many things to survive and make us happy, but a stay like this is a wonderful reminder of the beauty of simplicity. It’s an opportunity to take a step back and just be still for a moment, giving your nervous system a chance to relax fully. We don’t always need expensive treatments and sessions to heal, we just need nature and stillness. Our bodies know what to do, we just need to listen.
My experience
I’ve had a couple of off-grid stays and each time I come back feeling more refreshed than I would after any other holiday. That’s because my days are simplified and I really learn to sit still. Days revolve around walking, writing, cooking, listening to music, chatting with my partner and cuddling my dog. And even though we’re always taught to want more, more, more, these simple things are more than enough to make me happy. I’ve written a blog here about the joys of going off-grid for more musings.
September - A self-love photoshoot
What is it?
A self love photoshoot is a therapeutic photography experience that will help you boost your confidence, make you feel empowered and remind you to love yourself. You don’t need to book a self-love photoshoot to use the images for a specific reason, the purpose can be in the session itself. These sessions can really be fun, empowering and healing in themselves. Or you may choose to do it for the end product, to see yourself in a beautiful, authentic way. It can also serve as a reminder for future you, to celebrate the different phases of your life and to see how far you’ve come.
Why should you try it?
Self-love is the cornerstone to overall wellbeing, and a photoshoot allows you to explore and strengthen your connection with yourself, and celebrate your authenticity. It is a space for you to try something new and push through any boundaries of self-criticism or self-consciousness that might arise. It’s your opportunity to express yourself in your own unique way. The love you have for yourself should be celebrated as much as the love we have for others.
My experience
I had my first experience of a photoshoot a couple of years ago and I was surprised by how much I loved it. I always thought I’d find it really awkward and be self-conscious, but instead it was one of the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had. I booked the shoot as I was setting up my website and needed some brand images, but it delivered so much more than that. I’m now planning a more sensual, naked photoshoot this year, just for me.
October - A health MOT/ gut tests
What is it?
There are many different health tests in the market and I suggest looking into something you personally struggle with, or maybe have an interest in. They are generally not available on the NHS but will give you a more comprehensive look at what’s going on inside. Some tests to consider are 360 health scans, gut and microbiome tests, blood sugar monitoring and fitness and human performance testing.
Why should you try it?
Disease and illness usually start to manifest in the body long before we notice any symptoms, so even if you feel healthy it always pays to have a closer look at what’s going on inside our bodies. Knowledge is power and if something is slightly off balance it is always best to find out sooner rather than later so you can start to make lifestyle changes to stop it progressing. These tests can really serve as motivation to make improvements across all aspects of our health. I’d argue there is nothing more important than our physical and mental health, and looking after both are essential for our wellbeing.
My experience
I’ve had a full body MOT in the past and it was so insightful - and luckily pretty positive which gave me peace of mind. Most recently I decided to take part in the ZOE nutrition test as I’m really interested in the gut microbiome. I was pleased to find out I had more good bacteria vs. bad bacteria, but my diversity was relatively low. I’m now making a real conscious effort to include 30+ different plant foods a week in my diet. The results from this test were interesting, but I’m not sure they were worth the high price tag. I’ve written a full blog here if you want to learn more.
November - Tantric Touch Massage
What is it?
A tantric massage is a full body massage that focuses on certain chakras to help move energy around the body and to arouse sexual energy. There’s often a common misconception that Tantra consists of only sexual stimulations but the majority of Tantra teachings do not actually refer to sexuality. A tantric touch massage is more intimate than massages you are probably used to, but from my experience it’s more of an energetic cleanse than anything sexual.
Why should you try it?
A Tantric touch massage can re-awaken your sexual energy, heal old wounds and help connect you with a deeper spiritual awareness. It is also a beautiful way to discover the joy of receiving. If you’re feeling disconnected from your being then a Tantric touch massage could really help you start to come home to yourself. I see it as a way to reignite that fire, whether it’s sexual, creative or a zest for life.
My experience
I was a little nervous when I went for my first Tantric touch massage, probably because of how it’s perceived by western cultures. It’s more intimate than a normal massage and I was touched around my pubic region, breasts and bum, but it was still a lot less sexual than I expected. It felt more like an energetic cleansing, with a lot of tapping and shaking to release stuck emotions. I actually felt some uncomfortable emotions following the massage, but I believe this is just what needed to be released. It’s been a few months since my massage and I feel that fire reigniting. I will definitely be exploring Tantra more in the future.
December - Attend a women's circle
What is it?
A women’s circle is any event where women gather together in a safe and nurturing space to connect, empower and heal. They can be online or in person and can range from full moon circles, self-love workshops, journaling sessions, and spiritual circles to name a few. They appear to be gaining in popularity, with women of all ages recognising how powerful it is to unite with other women.
Why should you try it?
We are meant to heal in community. If you’re going through something hard it can often feel like you’re alone, but the moment you share your story with other women you realise you are so deeply supported and many of them are going through something similar. It’s surprising how much others can often relate with your struggles when you start to open up.
I think it’s also especially important that women learn that we are not in competition with one another. Society tries to pit women against one another, but we are so much stronger when we embrace sisterhood and support each other.
My experience
Life became a lot more beautiful once I started attending women’s circles. I have made some wonderful connections and feel so supported. I started by attending online healing circles that my therapist hosted around different topics such as inner child and self-love. They were deeply nourishing and I felt safe to speak my truth. In the past year I’ve started to attend more in-person events and feel my connections with others growing deeper and deeper.
I hope I've inspired you to try something new this year :) And I promise to keep trying to find new practices to help us heal 🔥
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