The daily grind of life can be at times overwhelming, and as a result, the body begins to experience pains both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, many do not seek the self-care needed in order to be healed of these ailments, leading to discomforts and ultimately diseases. For Dawne Horizons, this was something that she saw enough to change the trajectory of her life, and of others.

Dawne is a Certified Holistic Health Coash, Massage Therapist and Author who teaches people how to live a healthy life through natural means. In 2006, she opened up Dawne Horizons Spa & Wellness Center, where she has treated a bevy of patients on issues of health, spirituality and purpose. Recently, she was named one of the DMV’s Best businesses in 2021 for Beauty and Self-Care, and she spoke with the PW Perspective about her journey.

So, how did it all begin? “My mom [laughs],” she says. “It was in addition to that, my passion for this came from the loved ones I lost. My stepfather to cancer, and just watching him literally die slowly. As we began to learn new things about aromatherapies and essential oils with new techniques, we were able to help him heal quickly from the effects of radiation, such as the headaches he was dealing with. We continued to use them for ourselves and our family.”

She also discovered that there were other benefits to using aromatherapies. “We then started using them on bee stings, sprains and fractures, all the things little boys get with injures. We saw the awesome power in the natural elements in helping the body to heal itself.”

The mother of five spoke about how it helped her oldest son. “He has asthma, and so using these natural oils, I was able to help him at home, and not put him on medication, which we eventually were able to replace.”

She continues. “During my research into these medications, I discovered that they had severe side effects, such as bronchial constriction, but that’s what asthma is!”

Afterwards, she dived deeper into learning about natural health remedies. “As a mother, I wanted to find the most efficient ways to help my child breath,” she says. “I took classes, got certified, and by natural means, I was able to completely replace what he was taking. I was able to get him to get his lungs to open and breathe naturally.”

Watching her son heal gave her an epiphany. “I couldn’t just keep this information to myself, and so it became a time that God showed me in prayer that I have to share this. I started talking with others about their natural health.”

Through it all, Dawne credits her faith as the foundation for her growth. “My faith is everything, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

She says that during her sessions, she has been able to talk with patients about faith, regardless of their beliefs. “Because of my faith and everything God brought me through, I am able to see the brokenness in people, and it has allowed me to talk with people and see the results.”

During her spa sessions, she says that she has been able to see the difference in how her patients respond to natural methods of healing. “When this person is on the table, I don’t know everything that’s going on with them, but God does. After I’m done praying, they are astounded how much I know where they’re at. Also, I’ll play Pandora stations during my session, and every song that plays back-to-back is so appropriate for that particular person.”

She touts that it’s about the “whole experience, mind, body and spirit.” “When they arrive,” she says, “it could be for just a shoulder injury, but they leave with so much more healing when it’s done.”

The services that Dawne Horizons Spa & Wellness offers is important, especially in a time when so many are struggling with mental health issues. “I find that a lot of time when people struggle emotionally and mentally, it’s that they’re having an identity crisis,” she says. “They don’t know what they’re capable of, and it’s helping them to awaken to the gifts and talents that they have. If we don’t who created us, we’re kind of going through life endlessly, so our identity comes in the one who created us.”

“Those who are feeling disconnected, or are dealing with the curveballs of life, can find solitude through fellowship.”

She says that lemongrass, citrus oils help with the limbic system of the brain, bringing about a balance to the body. “Just smelling some of these oils help with providing clarity in the mind.”

One additional talent that she discovered over the past few years was a green thumb, which she discusses with the “Tower Garden.”

“The Tower Garden is an aeroponic system that allows you to grow a garden indoors or outdoors,” she says. “I’m growing arugula, kale, rainbow lettuce and Swiss chard in my garden. The best part is that I don’t have to deal with worms or dirt [laughs]. This is a controlled environment, and there is a mineral blend that helps it to grow.”

“I used LED lights to help it to feed the plants, and it’s on a timer so the lights are on for a set time each day.” Using the garden has helped her to eat according to her blood type, which she will be discussing on Saturday.

She states that her goal is to help patients better understand different methods of healing in the body when they go see the doctor.

“I work hand in hand with someone’s doctor or chiropractor to help the patient with whatever issue they’re dealing with, whether it’s joint pain, or high blood pressure, I use different modalities to bring them to their goals,” said Dawne. “I’m able to use alternative medicines in combination with their prescribed medicines.”

On August 20th, she will be hosting an event at Clearbrook Center for the Arts in Tackett’s Mill, with bio scans, health screenings and strategies to help live a healthier life.

For more information on Dawne Horizons and services that she offers, check out her website. She’s also on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter.