Merging holistic health and psychology- Indigo Interactions, LLC
Self-Care Sundays: A Holistic Approach to a Healthier You

People might not think much about how their hair care affects them, but hairstyling is a great form of therapy. Kara Pezzimenti refers to her job as a hairstylist and owner of Union Hair Studio as “hair-apy”. Kara enjoys serving as a sense of comfort and a listening ear for her clients. Hairstyling gives her customers a sense of restorative power through their clean feel and new look. When people feel good about their external expression, they tend to feel better internally. Self-confidence helps people walk through the outside world without fear. Hair styling also has emotional benefits of giving people a space to share and connect with others. As a hairstylist, clients are reminded that they are not alone and are given a space to be uplifted mentally and physically. At their appointments, clients can “let their hair down” and talk about their lives in a judgment free zone. Hair care is especially beneficial for those who live alone or are isolated. The power of physical touch through scalp massages and styling can bring comfort to the elderly or those who are often alone. Another great benefit of hairstyling is how it allows people to let their creativity run free and constantly grow. Hair stylists love encouraging self-expression and breaking away from society’s rules. When getting your hair done, hairstylists prioritize your own expression and remind you to be kind to yourself. The therapy aspect of hairdressing is a large reason why people seek out hair stylists they get along with and enjoy. If you think about it, you’re more likely to get up and hug your hairstylist as a thank you than you would your doctor after an appointment. Hair-apy is real and taking time to schedule an appointment with a hairstylist can have holistic health benefits for your mental health.

Kara Pezzimenti is the owner of Union Hair Studio in Durham, NC where she brings people together and reminds everyone that we aren’t as different as we think. Her work as a master stylist gives her the opportunity to remind her clients that they aren’t alone and to not be so hard on themselves. At Union Hair Studio, she embraces everyone as a unique story to be celebrated and listened to during their appointment. Every stylist at Union Hair Studio makes it their mission to make each customer feel as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Click below to go to their website and schedule an appointment today!

Acupuncture has a range of great physical benefits, but did you know there are emotional benefits too? Acupuncture is a component of Chinese medicine and refers to the treatment of illness or body ailments with the use of a needle. It can be used to treat problems like neuropathy, sciatica, migraines, fertility and gynecological issues, insomnia, seasonal allergies, depression, anxiety, and other issues. Acupuncture helps people feel more like themselves again and regulates the body’s nervous system. Chinese herbal medicine is also a great tool that is personalized for each patient and brings great benefits alongside acupuncture. Jon E. Walker, the owner of Bull City Acupuncture, loves seeing his patients improve during their sessions. His work gives clients the opportunity to change and be their best selves. Treating anxiety and depression through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is not always well known. For instance, acupuncture lets patients recognize their emotions and feelings in a calm state so they can make lifestyle changes. Benefits of acupuncture include destressing, calming the mind and body, regulating the hormonal system, regulating digestion, reducing inflammation, reducing pain, increasing blood flow, and reducing tightness of muscles. Although some may be reluctant to using acupuncture as a treatment method, it’s important to know how beneficial acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are for people’s lives. Both forms of treatment are great holistic health options as they both mobilize your own body’s innate healing skills and provide relief.

Jon E. Walker is the owner of Bull City Acupuncture in Durham, NC, and he is passionate about changing people’s lives for the better through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He recognizes the importance and value of specializing each treatment plan for every patient he sees at his practice. At Bull City Acupuncture, he is able to provide relief for those struggling with both mental and physical health issues.

Many people consider Pilates for their physical health, but there are emotional benefits too! Pilates is a system of exercises that strengthen your body, increase flexibility and agility, and better both your spine health and mental health. While your whole body is being treated, there are also specific needs you can address and work on within your physical health. As the owner of Core Focus Pilates Marie Sherr puts it, “just doing Pilates makes you feel better”. By spending an hour on Pilates, you’re dedicating that time to only focus on your body and to let everything else go. By focusing inward on yourself and being in the present moment, you're able to let go of constant worries and negative feelings. Pilates increases cognitive functions and can help keep your mind and body sharp as you age. Breathwork is also great in Pilates, which focuses on the idea of releasing stress when you breathe out and nourishing your mind and body when you breathe in. Focusing on your breathwork has great benefits both physically and mentally as you focus on the present, let go of your stress, and regulate your breathing. There are great emotional benefits for Pilates like building community and friendships, building confidence, and creating a reliable routine in your life. The community of Pilates is great for your mental health to build social connections that support healthy interactions. Don’t forget- Pilates is for everyone! Pilates is all about preparing people to age gracefully. The most important thing to take away from your Pilates class is to honor where you are in the moment.

Marie Sherr is the owner of Core Focus Pilates in Durham, NC and is always excited to bring the world of Pilates to newcomers. She and her staff of certified Pilates instructors hold small and large group classes and work directly with you to address specific and general needs. Marie wants to share her love of Pilates with everyone so you can explore the benefits her business provides. Pilates builds confidence, creates better posture, increases strength, and can be a great tool for your mental health.