SWIHA Blog

Diversifying food choices is essential for keeping our gut’s microbiome healthy. When our digestion is performing optimally, our bodies can absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from the foods we consume, thereby improving the performance of all of the systems that keep us healthy!

There is also mounting evidence showing that what we eat affects physical health and mental health. A great way to keep our mind, body and spirit happy is by consuming a rainbow...in the form of a salad, of course!

This dish is able to be completely tailored to your personal preference. Read the guide below for suggestions on creating your own Rainbow Superfood Salad!

“I'm almost 65 years old and I feel more at peace with my life than ever,” says Terri Martin, a graduate of the Wesern Herbalism program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.

Many years ago, Terri attended an Aromatherapy class on campus and later reconnected with SWIHA via social media. She tells us, “I attended an open house for the herbalism class and was instantly struck by how perfect it was. I signed up and have never regretted it!”

When Melissa Moreno enrolled in the Mindfulness and Guided Imagery Facilitator program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, she was in a very difficult period of her life.

“I was in an unhappy living situation, with no life purpose, and I desired to be a self-sufficient single mom,” she tells us, “I had quit my corporate job of six years and moved to Mexico to live in harsh living conditions with my kids. I was running from an abusive relationship. I felt sick, anxious, and tired of the demands of my corporate job, and I was soul searching.”

It was that trying time that led her to discover visualization techniques and meditation, as well as seek out a Life Coach.

Phew! It’s the last Mercury Retrograde of 2019, lasting from October 31 until November 19. Mercury rules communication, meaning that these times can bring technological breakdowns, difficulty in relationships, and a general feeling of being misunderstood or unimportant. However, it can also be an excellent time to take inventory of your priorities, aspirations and energy exchanges.

Achoo! It’s that time of year again. Unfortunately, you’ve woken up feeling sick, stuffy and sore.

Millions of Americans are infected with the cold or flu each year, and though it is a miserable process to get rid of the illness, there are some at-home remedies that have been studied and verified as effective.

Today, we’ll look at some natural solutions for common viral symptoms:

The fast-approaching holiday season means time with friends and family, laughter and gifts, and—of course—lots of baked goods!

Many people are opting to go gluten-free because of sensitivity issues, to reduce inflammation, or simply because they’ve noticed a positive change by reducing or eliminating foods containing gluten.  However, going gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out on delicious treats! Today, we’ll take a look at a few of the widely-available flour options that are friendly to this dietary need.

The journey of an entrepreneur is never linear – especially in terms of levels of motivation. Somedays we may jump out of bed, ready and willing to take on the world. We know we’ll succeed and we’re so excited! The next day, however, may bring feelings of doubt or impatience.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, we believe in holding space for each point on the emotional spectrum. Today we want to share with you some inspiring stories from our graduates who have preserved and truly found their heart’s calling. Click the link above each photo to read their full story!

Autumn is nearing! The days are growing shorter, Pumpkin Spice season is in full swing, and here in Arizona we’re eyeing our hoodies and scarves in eager anticipation.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is all about sustainability and conscious choices, so today we bring to you some Fall DIY projects that are healthy, waste-free and likely made from things you already keep in your home!

If you’re on social media, you’ve surely seen the devastating images of the fires currently ravaging the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. This delicate and ancient ecosystem is burning at its highest rate since 2013, threatening millions of species of plants and animals, indigenous tribes, and the climate of our entire planet.

If you are outraged and heartbroken, you are not alone. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is a community of healers, and together we can consciously contribute to the well-being of our planet.

Using crystals to promote healing is a six-thousand-year-old practice, dating back to the time of the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. The crystal healing philosophy we know today is formed on concepts borrowed from the Chinese concept of life-energy (chi or qi) and the Hindu/Buddhist concept of chakras, or vortices of life-energy that connect physical and spiritual element within our bodies.

Crystals are solid, with atoms arranged in what is called crystal systems. Seven types of crystal systems exist, producing different physical geometry. However, they all share the characteristic of atoms arranged in tightly ordered, repeating patterns. Crystalline lattices split cleanly and smoothly, which is how gemstones are faceted to catch light in fine jewelry.