College of Botanical Healing Arts Board President Talks Essential Oils

When it comes to wellness, says reflexologist Christine Nickell, mind, body and spirit all come into play.

Nickell and the College of Botanical Healing Arts in Live Oak, of which she is board president, will present the Sixth Annual Wellness Fair on Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Santa Cruz.

“We will have booths with health practitioners, educators and sustainable living businesses," she says. "There will be music, food and speakers throughout the day. John Robbins (Diet for a New America) will be speaking about his new book, The New Good Life, Living Better than Ever in an Age of Less.”

Since Nickell's graduation from the College of Botanical Healing Arts, she has supplemented her reflexology business by opening the Galleria Wellness Center in Santa Cruz.

“We are an integrative health center with seven practitioners, each specializing in different healing modalities," she said. "We provide a place for our community to address mind, body and spirit issues.”

Nickell puts a big emphasis on gardening, when it comes to her practice.

“The garden is where essential oils begin," she says. "When we raise healthy, aromatic plants and nourish them to maturity, we can transform them into essential oils through the process of distillation. The oils are then used to balance the 11 systems of the body.”

Aromatherapy and reflexology work hand in hand, she says.

“Aromatherapy and reflexology are ancient healing modalities, which promote balance," she says. "When we combine smart lifestyle changes to this, we can improve the quality of our lives.” 

College of Botanical Healing Arts

1821 17th Ave.
Santa Cruz 
831-462-1807