Embodying Holistic Health

Hosted by Maren Hoflund, a licensed massage therapist, reiki master, integrative somatic trauma therapist, and sound healer, each episode explores practical healing methods that blend the mind-body connection with science-backed approaches you can actually use. In today's episode we discuss the history of the spring equinox and some examples of how you can celebrate in the modern world. Connect with me: Email Subscription Sign Up: https://tally.so/r/KYlBZA Email: [email protected] Website: mandalamethodmassage.com Book a Session: https://bit.ly/3SVgJFr Instagram: @marenelizabethh Facebook: Mandala Method Healing Linked In: Maren Hoflund If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations on bodywork, energy healing, and coming home to yourself. Sources Books Loewe, E., & Kellner, L. (2018). The spirit almanac: A modern guide to ancient self-care. Penguin Random House. Websites Be Ceremonial. (2024, April 30). Rituals for the spring equinox. https://www.beceremonial.com/blog/rituals-for-the-spring-equinox/ Celtic Lady. (2009, March). Spring equinox. http://celticanamcara.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-equinox.html Forest Healing. (2025, March). The significance of the spring equinox in Celtic and Pictish cultures. https://forest-healing.co.uk/articles/spring-equinox-celts-picts Ireland Calling. (2023, July 25). The spring equinox — ancient Celtic festival Ēostre. https://ireland-calling.com/eostre/ Irish Culture and Traditions. (2024, March 20). Spring renewal: Celebrating the first day of spring with Celtic traditions. https://irishcultureandtraditions.org/2024/03/20/spring-renewal-celebrating-the-first-day-of-spring-with-celtic-traditions/ Moonfall Metaphysical. (2025). Eostre, Celtic goddess of the spring equinox: A celebration of fertility and renewal. https://moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/eostre-ancient-celtic-goddess-of-fertility/ The Comenian. (n.d.). Meanwhile, in Ireland: Ostara. https://comenian.org/7527/news/meanwhile-in-ireland-ostara/ The Irish Jewelry Company. (2024, May 20). Celtic mythology and the spring equinox: A time of renewal and rebirth. https://www.theirishjewelrycompany.com/blog/post/celtic-mythology-and-the-spring-equinox-a-time-of-renewal-and-rebirth Thorn & Claw. (2025, March 1). How to celebrate Ostara: The spring equinox. https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox Wikipedia. (2026, February 2). Wheel of the year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_the_Year Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.

Explore the 3 nervous system states via Polyvagal Theory and how Reiki compliments the body's natural healing system. Course Waitlist Sign Up! https://tally.so/r/7R2Nqz== Connect with me: Email Subscription Sign Up: https://tally.so/r/KYlBZA Email: [email protected] Website: mandalamethodmassage.com Book a Session: https://bit.ly/3SVgJFr Instagram: @marenelizabethh Facebook: Mandala Method Healing Linked In: Maren Hoflund If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations on bodywork, energy healing, and coming home to yourself. Sources Díaz-Rodríguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., García-Lafuente, F., García-Royo, C., & Tomás-Rojas, I. (2011). Immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout. Biological Research for Nursing, 13(4), 376–382. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800410389166 Diego, M. A., & Field, T. (2009). Moderate pressure massage elicits a parasympathetic nervous system response. International Journal of Neuroscience, 119(5), 630–638. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450802329605 Guo, X., Long, Y., Qin, Z., & Fan, Y. (2024). Therapeutic effects of Reiki on interventions for anxiety: A meta-analysis. BMC Palliative Care, 23(1), 147. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01439-x Kurebayashi, L. F. S., Turrini, R. N. T., Souza, T. P. B., Takiguchi, R. S., Kuba, G., & Nagumo, M. T. (2016). Massage and Reiki used to reduce stress and anxiety: Randomized clinical trial. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 24, e2834. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.1614.2834 Kurebayashi, L. F. S., Gnatta, J. R., Kuba, G., Giaponesi, A. L. L., Souza, T. P. B., & Turrini, R. N. T. (2020). Massage and Reiki to reduce stress and improve quality of life: A randomized clinical trial. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 54, e03612. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-220x2019009003612 Liu, K., Qin, Z., Qin, Y., Li, Y., Liu, Q., Gao, F., Zhang, P., & Wang, W. (2025). Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Systematic Reviews, 14, 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02811-5 McManus, D. E. (2017). Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 22(4), 1051–1057. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871310/ Porges, S. W. (1995). Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. A polyvagal theory. Psychophysiology, 32(4), 301–318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1995.tb01223.x Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. Porges, S. W. (2025). Polyvagal theory: Current status, clinical applications, and future directions. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 22(3), 175–191. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12302812/ Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.

Learn about Reiki with me! Sign up for the Reiki Level 1 Course Waitlist Here: https://tally.so/r/7R2Nqz== Connect with me: Email Subscription Sign Up: https://tally.so/r/KYlBZA Email: [email protected] Website: mandalamethodmassage.com Book a Session: https://bit.ly/3SVgJFr Instagram: @marenelizabethh Linked In: Maren Hoflund If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations on bodywork, energy healing, and coming home to yourself. Sources Akpinar, N. B., Ozcan Yüce, U., Cansız, G., Yurtsever, D., Özkanat, C., Unal, N., Sabanoglu, C., Altınbas Akkas, Ö., & Yurtsever, S. (2024). Is Reiki effective in reducing heart rhythm, cortisol levels, and anxiety and improving biochemical parameters in individuals with cardiac disease? Randomized placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 23(7), 771–779. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvae051 Bordoni, B., Marelli, F., Morabito, B., & Sacconi, B. (2018). Emission of biophotons and adjustable sounds by the fascial system: Review and reflections for manual therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 2515690X17750750. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X17750750 Díaz-Rodríguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., García-Lafuente, F., García-Royo, C., & Tomás-Rojas, I. (2011). Immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout. Biological Research for Nursing, 13(4), 376–382. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800410389166 Hammerschlag, R., Sprengel, M. L., & Baldwin, A. L. (2024). Biofield therapies: Guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 30(2), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.29128.rh McManus, D. E. (2017). Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 22(4), 1051–1057. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871310/ Popp, F. A., Nagl, W., Li, K. H., Scholz, W., Weingärtner, O., & Wolf, R. (1984). Biophoton emission: New evidence for coherence and DNA as source. Cell Biophysics, 6(1), 33–52. Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897–908. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4147026/ Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.

Learn the generals and basics of CBD with Maren! Check out Cause Medic CBD https://causemedic.com/collections/cbd *non affiliated Connect with me: Email Subscription Sign Up: https://tally.so/r/KYlBZA Email: [email protected] Website: mandalamethodmassage.com Book a Session: https://bit.ly/3SVgJFr Instagram: @marenelizabethh Facebook: Mandala Method Healing Linked In: Maren Hoflund If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations on bodywork, energy healing, and coming home to yourself. Sources Maren's massage therapy continuing education includes CBD training. Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.

Lower Back Pain Relief: Simple Self-Care You Can Do Right Now Dealing with lower back tension from desk work, stress, or just the demands of daily life? In this episode, we explore practical, evidence-based techniques you can use immediately to find relief—no expensive treatments or complicated equipment needed. 5calls.org Connect with me: Email Subscription Sign Up: https://tally.so/r/KYlBZA Email: [email protected] Website: mandalamethodmassage.com Book a Session: https://bit.ly/3SVgJFr Instagram: @marenelizabethh Facebook: Mandala Method Healing Linked In: Maren Hoflund If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations on bodywork, energy healing, and coming home to yourself. Sources Maren is a licensed massage therapist LIC #89030. Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.