LK: Hi Shari! Tell us what drip you’re getting.
SA: I’m getting the NutriCleanse. It’s high in Glutathione and Vitamin C. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps with tissue rebuilding and repair. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that is great for supporting the immune system. The drip also has Magnesium which most of us are deficient in and is needed for over 300 functions in the body.
LK: As a holistic practitioner for over 2 decades and Chief Healing Officer at WTHN, can you share how your philosophy of health has changed over time?
SA: Prioritizing health is a constant balancing act. It’s hard. We care about our health but there can be so many things that compete for our time and resources. When I was younger it was easier, I didn’t have a family and a company to nurture. I could take off to magical places like India to study yoga and Ayurveda and immerse myself in healing. Now I’m applying all that I’ve learned to stay healthy while raising a child, being married and creating WTHN. Sometimes self care can feel selfish and it means saying no to others and yes to yourself. This can be hard to do when you are someone who enjoys giving to others.
LK: Was there a moment in your life when you knew you wanted to become a healer?
SA: Yes. doing healing work is my true calling in life and I realized it when I was in high school. I was always attracted to ancient healing traditions and a holistic lifestyle. Wellness wasn’t cool in the 80’s like it is today, I spent a lot of time being the “weird girl” who drank green juice and meditated.
LK: What are the top 1 - 3 recommendations you make that people can implement in their daily lives to encourage healing?
SA: Take a pause. Put your laptop down and close your eyes or gaze out the window. Let your mind unwind and find the present moment. Life happens in the present yet we spend a lot of our mental time in the past and future.
Take herbs. I take herbs everyday as part of a healthy diet. Either I’m taking herbs because I’m working on a health goal or depending on what I need that day. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine on the planet and it helps me with energy, digestion, sleep, detox and more.
Love your body. I love going to get bodywork such as acupuncture and massage, but on days which I’m not getting treated (which is most days!), I love to stretch, lie on an acupressure mat, take an Epsom salt bath and give myself a facial with Gua Sha or Face Cupping. As much as we rely on others to support our bodies it’s important to also create a home sanctuary and be your body’s best friend.
LK: It can be hard to find time while running a business to find time to relax. How do you unwind and ‘chill out’?
SA: I love to meditate on nature. I sit somewhere comfortable (inside or outside) and gaze at the sky or the trees. I breathe deeply into my body and take in the healing power of nature.
I also recently started practicing Japanese calligraphy. It’s an ancient art that requires the mind and body to be still and present. It’s amazing because you can’t cheat, if you aren’t present it shows in the calligraphy.
LK: What or who continues to inspire you?
SA: The team at WTHN. I’m so proud of the team and what we are building. I love going into the studio and getting treated. All the acupuncturists are so dedicated and caring. The team at large is kind to one another and driven by our mission to help people live happier, healthier lives.
LK: What’s next for you and WTHN?
SA: We just launched an allergy herbal blend called Clear The Air. It’s based on Traditional Chinese blend, Bi Yan Pian. It’s a wonderful blend of herbs that really addresses the myriad of symptoms associated with allergies, such as sinus congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Stay tuned for more studio locations, herbal blends for improving skin and reducing pain and other tools launches.