LIVING WELL THIS SPRING

BY CRICKET REDMAN

Until recently, the majority of the western world has relied on reactive health practices to treat ailments. But we’re learning that there are many proactive approaches to wellness that are easy to integrate into our everyday routines for long-lasting benefits. Here are a few local businesses that provide healthy options for living well.

SPA

Day Every Day

Tucked away in the southeast corner of Garver Feed Mill is a sanctuary of light and life. Kosa Spa is an ayurvedic day spa founded by Shilpa Sankaran. Ayurveda is an ancient proactive approach to healthcare that is now being validated by modern scientific research. The spa o ers consultations, bodywork, facials and skincare services in an oasis of calm. Snacks, ayurvedic beverages and meals are available to guests. All products and services are adapted for the seasons and are curated to your body type. Sankaran and her team have created a line of products for hair, face, and body care, so that you can bring the spa experience into your home on a daily basis. kosaspa.com

PLANT-BASED CUISINE

A Taste Of Wisdom

SUPPLEMENTS FOR SELF-CARE

This independent, worker-managed cooperative whose mission is to promote better health for the community has two locations: Community Pharmacy on Fair Oaks Avenue in Madison, and Community Wellness Shop on University Avenue in Middleton. They o er an impressive range of quality natural medicines, flower essences, homeopathic formulations, herbs and other supplements and wellness products. Their experienced sta is available to share their knowledge with you to help you find the best solutions for your needs.

communitypharmacy.coop

Chef Lauren Montalbano is a creative force who brings inventive, nutrient dense, plant-based meals to all occasions. She sources her high-quality ingredients from a rich network of local farmers and makers to create sustainable dishes with a minimized carbon footprint. Whether you're in need of pre-made, plant-based and gluten-free meals to get you through a hectic workweek or are for an artfully catered event plant-based, Chef Montalbano and her team are there to make eating well feel easy. Plus, her o erings are so delicious that no one will be whining

Community Pharmacy (Fair Oaks Ave in Madison) and Community Wellness Shop (University Ave in Middleton) are two locations of an independent, worker-managed cooperative whose mission is to promote better health for the community. They o er an impressive range of quality natural medicines, flower essences, homeopathic formulations, herbs and other wellness supplements and healthcare products. Their experienced sta is available to share their knowledge with customers to help them find the best telsaan.com

If you want to know about the long tradition of drinking tea for your health, then Telsaan Tea is a must-stop along Main Street in Mount Horeb. The shop o ers more than 150 varieties of teas from across the globe including green, oolong, black and white teas plus yerba mate. These teas are packed with antioxidants and other components reported to be anti-inflammatory and supportive of your body. Spring teas are harvested from the first flush of growth on the tea plant and are particularly high in both antioxidants and ca eine—owner Erin Ulrich suggests Silver Needle, a beautiful white tea. Telsaan also has a wide variety of herbal blends that you can use to soothe digestion or calm down for a good night’s sleep.

A Yoga Studio For Every Body

Perennial Yoga o ers a range of yoga classes at their two locations: one in Madison’s Garver Feed Mill, the other overlooking a prairie in Fitchburg. Each holds its own beautiful character. Owner Megan Grace has created a community of practice that ranges from slow grounded yoga nidra (a type of non-sleeping deep rest) and restorative classes to fiery heated flow practices that build strength and stamina. Perennial also o ers meditation sessions, regular sound baths, book groups and other opportunities to discover your true nature.

perennial-yoga.com

Plants That Heal

Clare Kritter is an herbalist and founder of Hedge Meadow Herbs. She provides consultations to help people learn more about how plants can be used to leverage the natural intelligence of the body. Through her work with her clients, Kritter became inspired to develop a line of delicious herbal teas that are gentle enough to be used daily. In spring 2023, Kritter will open a brick-and-mortar store and education center on Broadhead Street in Mazomanie. The store will o er teas, tinctures, bulk herbs, skincare products, art, books, gifts and more. Workshops and classes will provide opportunities to learn more about the power of plants.

hedgemeadowherbs.com