Shanti Smith
A certified Reflexologist, Master Herbalist, Professional Colon Hydrotherapist, Naturopath, and Master Iridologist, I studied in Boulder, Colorado under Farida Sharan ND at the School of Natural Medicine, with John Walpole at the Feet First School of Reflexology, and with James Allred & Madeline Angelus at the School of Advanced Colonic Techniques.
I offer a holistic approach to health and well-being, treating the causes of dis-ease and imbalance while making clients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. During sessions, clients often learn about their Inner Ecology and how all the body's systems interact and work as a holistic unit. No organ, body system, or cell can be separated from the rest. They are all intricately inter-related. How did I come to do this work?"I am often asked....
why natural medicine? why colonics? I believe that nature has given us all the tools we need to heal ourselves AND that our bodies have an innate wisdom to want to heal and be healthy. If we treat our bodies healthfully and follow natural principles, then vibrant health is our birthright. We are designed to THRIVE! If we poison our bodies with negative emotions, and improper food and lifestyle choices then our state of health (or sickness) will reflect those choices. "Health is our Greatest Wealth" Over 25 years ago, I came to the realization that the majority of the "food" on the supermarket shelves is actually far from nourishing or nutritious. I had what you might call a "light bulb" moment. I knew that it would become my life's work to help others to make these same discoveries: to learn about their bodies, what food/lifestyle choices may work best for them, and discover how to follow natural principles of health and healing. In a nutshell, how to use nature/herbal medicine/foods to cure and live in alignment with themselves. Since then, I have been working to educate and empower people about the benefits of healthy living & eating as well as detoxification. We are learning and teaching how simple radiant health can be...just as nature intended. Nature, food, herbs, and naturopathic methods are time-tested, proven ways for us to prevent ill health and create vibrant lives. Colonics are a safe, effective, and simple way to cleanse & hydrate the body and activate this most important elimination channel. The digestive system is central to all other aspects of cellular metabolism, cleanliness of the bloodstream, and is deeply linked to our mental & emotional states. Through my own challenges with my digestive system, I have found Colonic Irrigation to be one of the BEST forms of therapy. Once I got past the fear of it (fear of the unknown really), I came to be quite good friends with my gut. I have personally experienced this therapy's many benefits and felt the changes within myself. There is a certain stigma around this part of the body. I aim to make light of it (laughter is always good medicine) and teach people how their bodies function and how everything is inter-related. So much of our energy comes from the quality of our digestion: what we eat, digest and process, and what is eliminated or not. If there are any malfunctions in this intricate system of breaking food down into energy than your health will suffer. Also, our emotional states and stress levels are intricately reflected in our digestive systems. The digestive system can be compared to the roots of a tree or plant. If the roots and soil are healthy you have a healthy tree, flourishing foliage, beautiful blossoms, and delicious fruit. If we look after our "roots" everything benefits! If you are willing to have an open mind and relaxed attitude, this may just be the best therapy you have ever experienced. Currently....
I live and work in beautiful Golden Bay, New Zealand. (See the Kiwi bird in the photo!) We are nestled in a beautiful valley between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National parks on the north-west corner of the South Island. I am also working from sunny Nelson a few days a week.
I live with my 15-year-old daughter, Isla Marama. We live on a half acre of Permaculture goodness and have a lovely garden full of vegetables, fruits and nuts. We aim to eat as local, sustainable, and seasonal as possible and we achieve this almost year round. We love and appreciate the natural world around us and spend a lot of time at the beach, in the bush, or swimming in the river or the sea. We are blessed to have a LOT of choices in Golden Bay as to how we would like to surround ourselves with nature. We love to ride bikes, be outdoors, and breathe in fresh air. I believe we are doing a good job at following our inner guidance, practicing gratitude, and living life to its fullest! We also offer accomodation on our Permaculture Paradise, Omarama Oasis. You can stay with us anytime or if you are interested to come on a healing retreat in Golden Bay. I can customise a personal programme to suit your needs. If you choose, you can be delighted by eating the lushious fresh abundance of food from our land (whatever is in season).
Check out our listing on AirBnB. |
A bit more background...
I was born in Bangladesh where a close connection to indigenous and native people shaped my early childhood. While growing up I traveled extensively with my family throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and Australia. All of my schooling was completed on the East Coast of the United States. I graduated in 2001 with a degree in Business Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Upon graduation I moved to Colorado and began work as the manager for a Naturopathic doctor and retail supplement shop. This re-ignited my innate interest in natural healing modalities. Witnessing first-hand the power of this type of medicine, I decided to go back to school to study. I took up studies with the School of Natural Medicine International in August 2002 under the tutorship of Dr. Farida Sharan. I started the three-course program in Naturopathy, Iridology, and Herbalism. The school and courses emphasized learning by experience and by your own personal journey to health and well-being. A critical component to this learning was your own self-healing, as well as case studies, interactive assignments, and clinical training. While completing these studies I began work with John Walpole at Feet First School of Reflexology, also in Boulder, Colorado. This one-on-one tutoring opened the door to the amazing power of Reflexology for me. I received my certification in Reflexology in July 2003. I moved to New Zealand in 2004, fulfilling a life-long desire to live "down under." After touring the country for several months, home was "discovered" as we came to the top of Takaka Hill. I readily settled into life in New Zealand and feel blessed and grateful everyday to live in beautiful Golden Bay at the top of the South Island! I created Divine Herbals in 2007 and ran this small herbal tea company until 2012. With a passion for local food and potent fresh herbal medicine, I endeavored to grow, harvest, and dry as many of the herbs in my blends as possible from my own garden or other local sources. The most exciting part of this business was wild- harvesting herbs from the local area and sharing their healing power with my clientele. I used the herbal teas within my practice and sold them to shops and markets around the South Island. I created health-giving herbal blends that also tasted great. "Heal Ourselves, Heal the Planet" was the motto, because the more healthy and whole we are within ourselves the more we can positively contribute to the health of the planet as a whole. In 2013, I decided to go back to Boulder to study Colon Hydrotherapy with James and Madeline at the Advance Colonic Techniques Clinic. While studying and in practice and after looking at thousands of Irises, it became clear that the overall state of the body's health kept coming back to digestion and elimination! This was reinforced from so many angles, modalities, and cases, that I decided to add Colon Hydrotherapy to my THRIVE Therapy offerings. I graduated with my I-ACT approved Foundation level training in June 2013. Currently, I am the only certified Colon Hydrotherapist in Golden Bay and one of just a handful in the entire South Island. I have been practicing Colon Hydrotherapy from Aroha Health Spa since 2015. My Philosophy I believe in a holistic approach to healing that views the body as a dynamic energy system that is in a constant stage of change. Humans are so much more than their physical bodies. Each is a complex balance of mental, physical, and spiritual aspects that are integrated into and directly affected by environmental, physical, emotional, and social factors. The causes of illness are far deeper rooted than merely their external symptoms. The aim of treatments are to deal with the causes of disease and imbalance, not merely the symptoms. I assess and treat the whole terrain (inner ecology). It is becoming more and more apparent that masking symptoms with drugs is simply not working and is not sufficient HealthCARE. My outlook onto health and well-being begins with purification and then rejuvenation of the body’s systems. We aim to create balance between all the body systems and organs from the roots (guts) up. I make referrals and recommendations where necessary to other healing modalities for truly integrative care. I am dedicated to assisting clients to achieve their highest potential in health and well-being. I adamantly believe in PREVENTION OVER CURE Purification
+ Regeneration = Transformation. I am committed to my own self-healing and growth. I learn something new everyday about myself and through working with each individual client. I strongly believe that the more you give, the more you receive I practice what I preach. I have never recommended a treatment that I have not tried myself. I eat all sorts of beautiful "weeds" from our land. I participate in a yearly or twice-yearly cleanse, usually at the change of seasons in April/May or September/October. This can involve juicing, fasting, colon cleansing, mind purification, yoga, saunas, supplements, and herbs. Click here for more information about guided cleanses.
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