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FOCUSING ON MIND + BODY

We know that health and wellness are front & center on our minds and we're looking for the best ways to nurture mind & body. Fortunately there are innovative therapies & holistic practitioners in the Cape Fear region that are worthy of your attention and time.


Cape Fear Living Staff



SHINE ON MASSAGE

Q&A with Owner, Cameron Martin


Cameron Martin grew up in his family's seafood restaurant and witnessed firsthand how stress can take a toll on the body. "I started working there at a young age, helping prepare food and frying hushpuppies. Unfortunately, I also began experiencing severe migraines and chronic back pain before I turned 16," says Martin. "Eventually, I moved to Wilmington and became a firefighter while also working as a bartender on my days off. By 2013, I realized it was time to pursue my true passion."


He hunkered down, and got his massage license and started Shine On. What started as a mobile massage company, quickly turned into a small space above Hell's Kitchen Restaurant. "The room had one window, with AC units as the view, and no heat or air, but I made it work. One year later, I had already well outgrown the space, and moved into the 9th floor of the Murchison Building. I began to hire talented massage therapists, and before I knew it, I was leasing half of the entire 9th floor of the building. Fast forward, and we now have two locations in Wilmington with a team of professional, licensed Massage Therapists and Wellness Coaches, dedicated to hunting down and destroying your stress, knots, and tension," says Martin.


What makes Shine On unique?

To start, we only hire the best of the best Massage Therapists in the business. When you book at Shine On, we aim to make you feel as if you just teleported to another country with all the comforts of your home. Not only do we have the largest massage rooms in history, but we also have the most breathtaking views of the entire city of Wilmington. Our cargo district location is a Swiss Family Robinson meets Costa Rica tree house resort. As soon as you enter the building, the smell of freshly milled pine walls and essential oils gently greets your nose with a warm welcome and smile from our incredible staff members. At Shine On, whatever service you select will be the length of time you will receive it on the table. We also do not charge for hot towels, hot stones or aromatherapy because we appreciate our clients and we like to treat them for supporting us. Whether you book at our downtown location and enjoy strolling down the front street afterwards or book at our cargo district location and enjoy walking through the garden shop and grabbing a coffee afterwards, you can't go wrong.


What would you recommend as a first time massage treatment?

Our standout massage is our Custom Therapeutic Massage. This was initially called the Shine On Signature Massage, but that got confusing. Our custom therapeutic comes with hot towels, hot stones, aromatherapy and optional complementary cupping. This is a customizable massage for clients who have specific problem areas they need addressed. If you have pain in your right shoulder and only want your right shoulder worked on for the entire session, that is the massage for you! We like to call it your Wellness Prescription.



Q&A with Owner, Nancy Haas


Stay Cozy Wellness is a holistic facial studio specializing in lymphatic drainage and the buccal massage technique. Owner Nancy Haas dreamed of owning a small brick-and-mortar business for years but decided to start small and get as much training and hands-on experience as possible. "After graduating from esthetics school, I was fortunate enough to train with some of the most talented and knowledgeable master estheticians. I also had the opportunity to work with many luxury skincare lines and learn about developing quality skincare with intentionally sourced ingredients," says Haas. Experience in the field was the reason she could develop a well-rounded skill set, hone in on her niche, and ultimately, heal skin from a holistic approach. "I use non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare. I also utilize traditional healing modalities such as gua sha massage and facial cupping to aid in draining static lymph, improving circulation, and sculpting the face.


What makes Stay Cozy unique?

I wanted to create an intentional space that touched on the five senses. Moroccan mint tea is served to cater to taste. Organic diffused oils and botanical-based products create an aromatherapy experience. Soft sheets and a weighted duvet blanket feel like a warm hug. Upon entering the spa, clients will hear soothing ambient music inspired by the sounds of nature. Finally, the visual aesthetic is cozy.


What would you recommend as a first time treatment?

One of the standout services at Stay Cozy Wellness is the buccal facial massage. This unique intraoral massage technique is designed to relieve TMJ pain and sculpt the face. It's a stimulating experience that improves circulation, drains static fluid, relieves tension, and defines the face.



Q&A with Liana Belanich


Liana Belanich owns Prana Salt Cave and became an RYT 500 yoga instructor with the Kunga Yoga and Lifestyle training at Wilmington Yoga Center in 2014. With a background in hospitality and a bachelor’s in Business from UNC-Wilmington, she always wanted something more out of life to help herself and others achieve and realize their greatest potential. She came across her first salt cave in Asheville, NC, and was intrigued. Her business side became excited to introduce something new to the community, and her creative side thought it would be a great way to help people heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually and a way to share what has helped her feel her best.


What makes Prana Salt Cave unique?

Prana Salt Cave offers Halotherapy, also known as Dry Salt Therapy. This holistic treatment alleviates various skin and lung conditions. In the salt cave (room with salt covering the floors and walls), a halogenerator pumps a fine salt mist through the air, which is breathed in and opens the passageways of the lungs. Halotherapy in a salt cave is also helpful for relaxation and emotional recharging and may also help with respiratory ailments, skin conditions, arthritis, and anxiety.


What to expect from a Halotherapy treatment.

A visit to the cave consists of a 45-minute session, relaxing in a comfortable gravity-free chair. The cave temperature will be 71 degrees to help sustain the Himalayan salt on the floor and walls. Do not worry, you will not be cold! You can wear clothing that is comfortable for you, and we provide comfy, warm blankets. Shoes, however, are not worn in the cave; socks or barefoot are perfect, and we will also supply booties for your feet if you would like. For 45 minutes, you can sit back and relax, allowing the salt around you to comfort you and bring balance to the body and mind. The halogenerator will also pump medical-grade sodium chloride through the air, helping to cleanse the respiratory system. You might meditate, sit quietly, or even fall asleep. The benefits of resting without electronics are that it can help to calm the nervous system and the mind! After the session, you may feel very relaxed and refreshed. Be sure to drink water afterwards to help flush out any toxins.



Q&A with Owner Amber Law


Amber Law, the owner of Healing Leaves Holistic Center, is not just a practitioner, but someone who has walked the path of holistic health and wellness. Her personal journey, filled with health challenges during her youth, has shaped her understanding of the importance of easily accessible and diverse healing options. As a certified hypnotherapist and integrative health coach, she deeply understands the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul in achieving optimal wellness. The Healing Leaves model emphasizes collaboration among talented practitioners, each offering unique pathways to wellness. This collaborative approach fosters synergy, where the combined efforts of diverse modalities can yield results greater than the sum of their parts. By sharing resources and creating a unified space for holistic care, Healing Leaves offers individuals a holistic experience, empowering them to achieve optimal health and well-being under one roof. 


What makes Healing Leaves unique?

Healing Leaves is not just a center, it's a community of holistic well-being. We simplify the process of accessing holistic health by seamlessly bringing together an impressive array of healing arts under one roof, including a Holistic Wellness Provider, Holistic Esthetician services, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Bio-tuning, Reiki, Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Integrative nutrition coaching, Shamanic practitioners, Infrared Sauna, Detox Foot baths, transformative group classes, sound healing, detox/health group challenges, and workshops. Discovering valuable new resources is made easy, allowing for expanding opportunities that empower you to take charge of your overall wellness.


Experience the Dare to Detox Treatment.

Revitalize your body for Summer and experience a transformative 7-day detox challenge at Healing Leaves. Whether you're seeking a quick tune-up or aiming to kickstart a longer health journey, this detox challenge is tailored for all, offering a rejuvenating start to your wellness journey. Join Dr. Jessica on May 20th at 6:00 pm in the Healing Leaves Zen room, where she will guide you through this rejuvenating journey. Dr Jessica will equip you with a comprehensive plan, informative, educational material, eating and movement instructions and detox products to support your transformation. Detox products include lifewave glutathione patches, soothing bentonite clay body mask, and NutriClean detoxification system. Throughout the week, Dr. Jessica will be available for any questions or guidance you may need, and you will have access to Healing Leaves serene and private Infrared Sauna to aid in detoxification. Conclude your week-long detox with a group meeting and debrief with Dr. Jessica, setting the stage for continued wellness success.



Q&A with Owner Buffy Andrews


Buffy Andrews, a seasoned licensed clinical social worker with over 11 years of experience, is the driving force behind the Made Well Center. Trained in trauma-informed interventions and holistic and natural health practices, Buffy saw a need for holistic and integrated care in our community. She also recognized the importance of highly trained and quality clinicians who work on behalf of their clients with a sense of radical hope. Her vision was to create a space where everyone could feel hope and a possibility for healing. 


What makes the Made Well Center for Wholeness unique?

At the Made Well Center, we are committed to supporting your journey to wellness. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including traditional mental health counseling, therapeutic intensives, nutritional therapy, gut health testing, monthly get well gatherings, and yearly women's retreats. Our goal is to help you heal on all fronts and strengthen your mind, body & spirit connection, ensuring that all your needs are met under one roof. 


What is the most sought-after service at Made Well Center?

Our most sought-after service is our mental health counselling sessions. However, we've introduced a groundbreaking Healing Intensive program that allows clients to delve deep into their struggles. This unique program compresses 5-6 therapy sessions into one day, eliminating the need for pauses between sessions. The program is entirely customizable, and at the end, the client receives a personalized healing guidebook. This comprehensive guide outlines everything discussed throughout the day, including coping skills learned, additional resources, and referrals if necessary. We also provide a 1-hour follow-up 4-6 weeks later to ensure the client's continued well-being and address any remaining issues. 



Q&A with Dr. Maggie Harris


Chiropractic care was the one thing that helped Dr. Maggie Harris with migraines when she was in high school, and it completely changed her life in multiple ways. She always knew she wanted to be involved in healthcare but was still determining which path to take so she became a Certified Athletic Trainer and worked in a chiropractic office for a year and saw the amazing results and the care patients were receiving, and wanted to be able to help people in the same way.

"I decided to pursue my doctorate and became a Doctor of Chiropractic," says Dr. Harris. "I worked in Raleigh, NC, for almost two years before relocating to Wilmington, NC, with my husband to open my own practice specializing in personalized care. I knew I wanted to open my practice to serve patients how they deserve to be treated and educate the community on the numerous benefits of chiropractic care."


What makes Better You Chiropractic & Dry Needling unique?

At Better You Chiropractic & Dry Needling, our commitment is to provide a chiropractic experience that is uniquely tailored to each individual. Our mission is to deliver personalized wellness care through chiropractic and dry needling, ensuring that every patient's distinct needs are met with precision and care. This unwavering dedication to personalized care is what sets us apart and makes us unique in the field of chiropractic care. Some patients are different; you deserve tailored care based on your needs. We aim to exemplify true wellness care and spread the wellness mindset throughout the community. We take pride in treating patients who are proactive about their health and well-being. We find great joy in working with active, motivated individuals who are eager to improve and address the root causes of their health issues. Dr. Harris has a special passion for treating women and advocating for their healthcare needs. However, our practice is not limited to a specific demographic; we welcome patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and everyone in between.


What to expect from a Chiropractic treatment.

Better You Chiropractic & Dry Needling prioritizes the principles of chiropractic: the goal is to regulate our nervous systems. We have many different adjusting techniques for you and your family because only some people need the same type of adjustment! The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to restore joint mobility for a tip-top functioning spine and nervous system. We also intertwine musculoskeletal treatments, including dry needling, IASTM and specific rehab exercises. Combining all these fantastic services is just one way to work on your wellness and find a Better You! If you or someone you know is looking for a doctor to advocate for you and take the time to listen, I would love to be that person for you.




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