A well known educator in the spa and wellness industry, Amy Gardner, LE, is an oncology trained esthetician and director of education at LightStim, where she works with the company to "respond to growing interest in noninvasive, wellness-based technologies that help improve quality of life for people everywhere and under a wide variety of circumstances," she shares. Gardner furthered this conversation with us, delving deeper into her love of red light therapy and her view of how the wellness world is continuing to advance.
A well known educator in the spa and wellness industry, Amy Gardner, LE, is an oncology trained esthetician and director of education at LightStim, where she works with the company to "respond to growing interest in noninvasive, wellness-based technologies that help improve quality of life for people everywhere and under a wide variety of circumstances," she shares. Gardner furthered this conversation with us, delving deeper into her love of red light therapy and her view of how the wellness world is continuing to advance.
How is wellness evolving in the spa industry?
It used to be that spas mostly offered esthetic or relaxation-based treatments to make guests feel restored. Because we now know that true wellness necessitates lifestyle changes, it’s become common for spas and wellness retreats to offer services that allow guests to experience special, spa-type versions of what those lifestyle changes should look like. In addition to traditional spa treatments, we now see hiking excursions, yoga and meditation classes and even nutritional counseling. So, the spa is no longer just about pampering and relaxation, it’s also about creating an experience that models the kinds of lifestyle changes that keep people well.
What is your favorite self-care practice?
I’m a long-time meditator. I started many years ago with Mindfunless Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the visionary Jon Kabat-Zinn. Over the years, I’ve found ways to expand my practice to suit my day-to-day needs. It has absolutely been a lifeline for me, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s becoming such a mainstream resource.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Three beautiful words: flourless chocolate cake. I love Italian food too, but I don’t feel at all guilty about that!
What do you love most about spa and wellness?
I love the industry’s promotion of wellness as all-encompassing, something that includes mind, body and spirit—not just physical fitness. That line of thinking really resonates with me.
How does red light therapy fit within the wellness industry?
The use of light for overall healing goes back thousands of years. In the 1900s, light therapy was more often focused on localized treatment for a variety of specific conditions. As we’ve learned more about the benefits of light therapy through research and public education, however, interest in full body, wellness-based treatments has grown. This has led to manufacturers expanding their offerings to include more full body devices designed to support overall wellness and the wellness industry.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I really enjoy experiencing different people and cultures, so I like to mix it up, but I’m definitely happier in smaller cities and regions: Vicenza over Rome, Normandy over Paris, central coastal California over Los Angeles. There’s nothing like gazing out across a beautiful and natural expanse. For me, removing the clutter makes room for the soul.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
When I look at the things that have gone well in my life, both professionally and personally, I see that they’re generally the result of open-minded and open-hearted collaboration. So, I think the greatest accomplishment any of us can hope for is that we respect each moment with our full attention and intention. I believe this is how we maximize our collective potential to accomplish great things.
