MANITOWANING—After many frustrating delays—COVID being the greatest of these—Sweet Hollows Haven in Manitowaning is finally opening its doors to the public.
In her new studio, Ingrid Splettstoesser offers the holistic systems of Tai Chi Qigong, Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu. The studio is a warm, open space beautifully enhanced by large and small stained glass designs, all created by Ingrid. Her grand opening took place Saturday, and Sunday, May 20 and 21 and she is now offering small group classes, private sessions and retreats.
To one who understands so little of these practices, Ms. Splettstoesser is a patient teacher. Tai Chi is a form of Qigong, a system of wellness through which one will discover the power of qi (life force energy) that runs within and around one’s body. Reiki is similar to Qigong in some ways. They both focus on well-being and healing; they both channel energy from the hands. They offer similar results in the form of reduced stress and an overall feeling of balance and harmony.
The place of origin of these practices is one of the differences between the two. Qigong comes from ancient China, while Reiki originated in Japan. Another difference is that Qigong focuses on energy within the body, while Reiki, primarily, harnesses the energy of the universe. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Japanese technique which, like acupressure and acupuncture, is based on the premise that vital energy forces travel predictable pathways through our bodies. A lot to digest for someone new to these practices, but a visit to Ingrid’s website offers all the positive benefits of these movements: “Enhance your coping skills as we revitalize our bodies, mind and spirit with the flowing movements of chikung (qigong and Tai chi), adding story and fun.
“Boost the battery of your life with Jin Shin Jyutsu. Examine and build more coping skills as we spark and fill our inner smiles. In all of these practices, balance, healing and energy are the common focus.”
Ms. Splettstoesser is also a trained Brennan Healing Science practitioner. An essential component of the practitioner’s work is to guide an individual, who has become aware of a state of imbalance within, to take an active part in their own healing process. The practitioner is not a healer per se, but a facilitator in the process and Ms. Splettstoesser, engaging yet soft spoken, has healing energy she is eager to share. One can well imagine her thoroughness as she guides her clients to wholeness.
In addition to her skills in these practices, Ms. Splettstoesser is an artist and an author. As previously mentioned, her joyful stained glass panels adorn several windows of the studio, and her paintings exude positive energy. She is the author of several books, all dealing with one’s aura, or human energy field; her website states: “The books that Danu Studies Inc. presents on this website, each with a unique approach to storytelling, provide an added dimension to the never-ending search for wellbeing and healing. Ingrid’s non-fiction book about the human energy field (HEF) shows both her work in analyzing (parsing) the HEF and tells the story of two people (“Bob” and “Eyla”) who transformed their HEF. Theory is presented as a journey of discovery for each of them, as well as for Ingrid.” Other titles are listed and described with links to purchasing them.
Sweet Hollows Haven, at 153 Arthur Street in Manitowaning, has much to offer everyone: those knowledgeable in the many ancient practices offered at the studio; those knowing little but wanting to learn more; books to help understand the benefits of the practices offered, and beautiful artwork to lift one’s spirits. You can learn more by visiting Sweet Hollows Haven’s website or email sweethollowsinfo@gmail.com for further information.
