In this feature Sue Arlen, Founder of Intuitive Touch Healing and Sanctuary – a healing center shares insights into the healing power of physical touch.
Please tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to continue this path professionally?
I was born and raised in England. As a child, I had a number of experiences that were challenging for me to understand and for my parents to explain. I heard voices, had a vivid out of body experience, sensed changes in energy to name a few. As I grew up, I would come across learning experiences and situations that would begin to shed light on what my experiences meant and I eventually came to understand that I was sensitive spiritually, rather than crazy! This led me to getting a psychic reading after having moved to the U.S. in my early twenties. That reading and a subsequent Meditation class I quickly enrolled in changed my life. Since then, I have spent the last almost 40 years learning about, practicing and teaching meditation and healing. I also received a certification in massage 30 years ago as I wanted to connect healing with bodywork. It was in practicing massage that I recognized my true passion – helping people bridge the gap between body and spirit through touch. I developed Intuitive Touch Healing in order to assist people in finding their unique connection to their physical body and to support them on their individual journey. I have had my share of physical challenges, injuries and illnesses over the years and so I also have a lot of first-hand experience in healing the body.
What are the main services that you offer?
I offer healing sessions both in person and online. In person sessions are conducted at my healing center located in a lovely, quiet corner of Lafayette, California. I opened Sanctuary – a healing center along with 2 partners in 2018. I offer personal consultations to discuss healing goals. I also teach groups how to heal themselves through meditation and healing. This I have done, and continue to do for people both locally and internationally. I customize healing services to each individual as there is no “one size fits all” in healing or in life.
What does an Intuitive Touch Healing session entail?
A typical session is about an hour. There is some discussion at the start of the session about goals, focus for the healing, etc. This is followed by time on a massage table if in person, or virtual healing if online, and then discussion at the end. In person, you lie fully clothed on a massage table and, depending on mobility and comfort, half the session you lie face down and half face up. Light touch is used, moving around the body to help clear and release pain, trauma, stress, anxiety whether physical, spiritual, mental or emotional. I also offer custom-designed series of healings for people who wish to devote more time to themselves, tackle a bigger goal or manage a chronic situation. These series can include healing, intuitive reading and guided meditations.
Do you have any advice to share for someone to learn how to be more mindful and serene in their everyday life?
We live in a culture that has become out of balance. As a result, stress, anxiety, depression and pain are now commonplace. We are taught and encouraged to push ourselves to the limits in order to succeed and achieve goals that we are told we should want to reach. So finding balance again is of utmost importance. My advice for anyone and everyone is to begin to look for what you can let go of, what you are carrying, perhaps unconsciously, that is taking up valuable time and space, and yet not benefiting you in any way. Take a few minutes each day to look around and appreciate where you are, what you have and who you are. Get outside into nature whenever possible, even if briefly, and breathe deeply. Find a meditation class to take, limit time spent on social media and looking at or reading the news. Increase your ability to smile and laugh by seeking out comedy shows, movies or books. Exercise in whatever way appeals to you and is physically possible for you. Appreciate everything your body does for you automatically, continually and often without much recognition or thanks.
Do you have any personal routines that you regularly practice for self-care and wellness?
Yes. I meditate daily. I practice yoga and walk my dog daily. I work with light weights a few times a week. I reach out to friends and share my own challenges with a few very close friends which allows me to process and release unwanted energy and problems. I spend time with my husband and 3 adult daughters. I exchange healings with my partners. I like to light candles at night, or burn incense as a way to bring my attention out of the busy-ness of life and back to the present moment.
Where can we learn more about you or get in touch?
You can us online at Sanctuary www.sanctuary-healingcenter.com or Intuitive Touch Healing www.intuitivetouchhealing.net
I can also be reached by email at: [email protected] and by phone on: 925-325-0330.
