Meet Heema Shah, a visionary healer whose journey intertwines science and spirituality to offer holistic wellness solutions. In her exclusive MysticMag interview, she shares insights into her unique approach, blending neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual practices for transformative healing experiences. Enjoy!
Can you share a few details about yourself and your professional journey with our readers?
I am the daughter of two immigrant parents from India and Kenya. I re-entered the world of education later in life and pursued my teaching qualification at 35. Then, I went on to receive my BA (Hons) in Education Studies from The University of Greenwich at the age of 36, which I completed in two years. I have been a lecturer in a Further Education college, an educator in prison, and have taught learners excluded from school and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). During this time, I began my business, Spiritual Sacred Space, serving clients with psychic mediumship, Reiki, and Akashic readings. Clients began coming to me with mental health challenges, for which I had no professional knowledge, only personal, so I decided to pursue an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health with King’s College London. My thesis was about teaching 11-year-old females Reiki in school as a tool to help them manage their anxiety symptoms. I am currently keeping the project open to find a school willing to translate my research into reality. So far, I have had no luck as the funding or openness to try has not been available.
After completing my MSc, I expanded my services, and my Neuroscience Mental Health Consultancy was born. As well as teaching people how to develop their psychic mediumship skills, doing readings, healing, and spiritual therapy for others, I also collaborate with organisations to implement organisational neuroscience into their working practices, specialising in enhancing mental health and neurodiversity in workplaces and driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
In your Spiritual Therapy you combine Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spiritual strategies. How does that blend work to your clients’ benefit and what are the benefits of such a mix?
In the unique approach of my Spiritual Therapy, the integration of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spiritual strategies creates a holistic framework that addresses the multifaceted nature of well-being. This blend capitalises on the strengths of each discipline to offer a comprehensive healing and growth process for my clients, catering to both their mental and spiritual needs.
Neuroscience provides a solid foundation for understanding the biological underpinnings of human behaviour and mental health. By applying neuroscientific principles, I can tailor strategies that effectively target the brain’s mechanisms involved in stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. This scientific grounding ensures that the interventions are not only effective but also have a lasting impact on the brain’s structure and function, promoting resilience and well-being.
Psychology adds a crucial layer by focusing on the emotional and cognitive aspects of human experience. It offers insights into the mind’s processes, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, allowing for the development of personalised strategies that address specific psychological needs. By leveraging psychological theories and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural approaches, mindfulness, and emotional regulation, I empower clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and foster positive change.
Spiritual strategies, including practices like Reiki, psychic mediumship, and Akashic readings, provide a unique dimension that transcends the physical and psychological aspects of health. These practices tap into the clients’ spiritual energies, promoting healing, insight, and a sense of connection to a larger existence. They offer clients tools for self-exploration, enabling them to uncover deeper meanings, align with their life’s purpose, and experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
The benefits of this integrated approach are manifold. Clients receive a tailored experience that not only addresses their immediate concerns but also fosters long-term wellness and personal growth. This holistic method enhances self-awareness, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being, leading to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and a greater capacity for joy and contentment in life. Moreover, by combining these diverse disciplines, the therapy can accommodate a wide range of needs and preferences, making it accessible and effective for a broad spectrum of individuals.
In essence, the blend of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spiritual strategies in my Spiritual Therapy offers a comprehensive path to healing and growth, rooted in both science and spirituality. This approach not only addresses the complexities of human experience but also opens doors to new possibilities for health and happiness, enriching my clients’ lives in deeply meaningful ways.
What are the differences between Reiki sessions for humans and for pets?
Incorporating a mental health and neuroscience perspective enriches the understanding of how Reiki sessions for humans and pets differ, highlighting the intricate interplay between the brain, behaviour, and emotional well-being.
Human POV:
From a mental health and neuroscience standpoint, Reiki sessions for humans can have profound effects on the brain’s stress response system. The relaxation induced by Reiki can decrease cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, thereby activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and digestion. This shift can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Furthermore, the intentional, therapeutic touch or proximity in Reiki can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter associated with bonding and trust, which can enhance feelings of connection and emotional support.
Neuroscientific research suggests that practices like Reiki can influence brain regions involved in emotion regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. These changes can contribute to improved emotional resilience and a decrease in symptoms of mental health conditions. Additionally, the placebo effect, reinforced by the therapeutic setting and the practitioner’s care, can play a significant role in the perceived effectiveness of Reiki, engaging the brain’s natural healing mechanisms and enhancing the overall therapeutic outcome.
Animal POV:
For pets, the mental health and neuroscience benefits of Reiki, while less directly studied, are believed to operate through similar mechanisms of stress reduction and emotional well-being. Animals, like humans, have a nervous system that responds to stress and relaxation. Reiki can help reduce anxiety and stress in pets, promoting a state of calmness and relaxation. This is particularly beneficial for animals with anxiety disorders, trauma, or those recovering from illness or surgery.
The non-verbal, energy-based nature of Reiki is well-suited to animals, who communicate and perceive their environment through a complex array of sensory inputs. The calming effect of Reiki on pets may be mediated by their sensitivity to the energy and intentions of humans, influencing the animal’s emotional state through pathways similar to those found in humans, such as the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
Integrative View:
Both humans and pets can benefit from the mental health and neurological advantages of Reiki. This holistic healing practice supports the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity, the process through which neural networks change through growth and reorganisation. These changes can lead to long-term improvements in emotional regulation, stress resilience, and overall mental well-being.
To summarise, the integration of mental health and neuroscience perspectives into the practice of Reiki highlights its potential as a complementary therapeutic tool for enhancing emotional and neurological health. Whether applied to humans or pets, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in achieving optimal health and well-being.
You also offer Tarot readings. What can you tell me about that part of your work?
Tarot readings form a fascinating and integral part of my practice, blending the esoteric tradition of Tarot with insights from psychology and neuroscience to offer a unique and enriched experience for my clients. This aspect of my work aims to provide not just predictive insights but also a deep psychological understanding and a pathway to personal development and emotional healing.
The Tarot and Psychological Insight
Tarot cards, with their rich symbolism and imagery, serve as mirrors to the subconscious, revealing the underlying patterns, motivations, and emotional landscapes that guide our behaviours and decisions. From a psychological perspective, the Tarot can be seen as a tool for introspection and self-awareness, enabling individuals to explore their inner worlds and understand their reactions to the external world. This process can unveil aspects of the psyche that are often overlooked, providing clarity and guidance.
Neuroscience and the Tarot Experience
Neuroscientifically, engaging with Tarot readings can activate the brain’s pattern-recognition systems and the regions involved in narrative and meaning-making. Humans are inherently wired to find stories and meaning in their experiences, and the Tarot leverages this by offering a narrative framework that individuals can relate to their own life situations. This interaction can stimulate neural pathways associated with creativity, intuition, and emotional processing, fostering a sense of coherence and understanding.
Tarot as a Therapeutic Tool
Incorporating Tarot readings into my practice offers several benefits that align with therapeutic goals:
– Enhanced Self-Reflection: By reflecting on the symbols and themes presented in the readings, clients can gain insights into their personal growth areas, challenges, and strengths.
– Emotional Catharsis: The process of identifying with the cards can facilitate emotional release and healing, providing a safe space for acknowledging and working through feelings.
– Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Tarot readings can offer fresh perspectives on difficult situations, helping clients to consider alternative approaches and possibilities.
– Stress Reduction and Relaxation: The contemplative nature of Tarot readings can have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.
A Holistic Integration
Combining Tarot readings with neuroscience and psychology enables a holistic approach to personal development and mental health. It respects the complexity of the human experience, acknowledging the interplay between our biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. This integration empowers individuals to navigate their life paths with greater awareness, resilience, and openness to change.
In summary, Tarot readings in my practice are not just about seeing into the past or forecasting the future; they are a profound tool for exploration and transformation, grounded in the principles of psychology and neuroscience. They offer clients a unique pathway to understanding themselves and their place in the world, complemented by the healing potential of spiritual practice and scientific insight.
What is your favorite part about your profession?
The favourite part of my profession is undoubtedly the integration of science and spirituality to foster holistic well-being. Being uniquely positioned at the crossroads of neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual practices allows me to offer a comprehensive approach to healing and personal development that bridges the gap between empirical evidence and intuitive practices. This not only caters to a broad spectrum of needs but also makes my work impactful.
Witnessing the transformative effects of this integration on individuals and organisations is what I find most fulfilling. It is incredibly rewarding to see how neuroscience-informed strategies can enhance mental health and productivity, while spiritual practices offer deeper psychological and emotional support. This combination facilitates a more inclusive, understanding, and effective approach to well-being and organisational growth, emphasising the importance of addressing both the mind and the spirit.
This dual focus not only challenges conventional boundaries but also opens up new avenues for healing, growth, and understanding. The ability to draw upon a vast array of tools and knowledge enables me to tailor my approach to each individual’s or organisation’s unique needs, further enhancing the personal satisfaction I derive from my work.
In essence, the holistic nature of my profession—enabling multifaceted change in people’s lives and the cultures within organisations—is what I cherish the most. It aligns closely with my overarching mission to nurture business, help employees thrive, and contribute to an inclusive society.
Is there anything else about your work that you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?
At the core of my work is a commitment to blending the latest in neuroscience and spiritual practices, ensuring that my consultancy and therapies are deeply transformative and relevant. This dedication to staying informed and innovative is what drives me to continuously explore the intersection of science and spirituality, enriching both my understanding and the bespoke solutions I offer to my clients and organisations.
My journey extends beyond individual sessions to include public engagement through workshops, seminars, and speaking events. Here, I work to bridge the gap between mental health science and spiritual practices, educating a wider audience to embrace a holistic approach to well-being.
A key pillar of my approach is creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background, can explore their mental health and spiritual paths. This drive for inclusivity is rooted in my belief in the universal benefits of combining neuroscience with spirituality, aiming to foster a society that values and understands the importance of both.
My professional path is also marked by affiliations with well-known bodies like the Royal Society of Medicine, the British Neuroscience Association, and the Applied Neuroscience Association, among others. These memberships enrich my practice, keeping me connected to the latest research and developments in the field. My academic credentials from King’s College London and the University of Greenwich further underscore my expertise and dedication to my field.
The work I do demonstrates the power of integrating scientific rigour with spiritual depth, aimed at promoting holistic well-being, inclusivity, and growth. Through continuous learning and professional collaboration, I strive to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organisations, contributing to a more empathetic and understanding society.
To learn more about Heema and her work, you can visit spiritualsacredspace.com
