Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Answers to Help You Feel Comfortable and Prepared
It is natural to have questions when exploring a new wellness practice.
The following answers explain what you can expect from Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Sound Healing, and Meditation Coaching at Lotus Bloom Wellness in Wilmington, North Carolina.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What services does Lotus Bloom Wellness offer?
Lotus Bloom Wellness offers Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Sound Healing, and Meditation Coaching. Each service is provided in a calm, supportive setting and can be personalized according to your comfort level and wellness interests.
Where is Lotus Bloom Wellness located?
Lotus Bloom Wellness is located inside Sage Salon & Spa at:
7110 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite A-2
Wilmington, NC 28403
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. All services are available by appointment.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please call (910) 679-4377 to ask a question or request an appointment.
How do I know which service to choose?
You do not have to decide entirely on your own. Gail can explain the differences between Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Sound Healing, and Meditation Coaching and help you select the experience that most closely matches what you are seeking.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to relax. Clients remain fully clothed during Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, and Sound Healing sessions.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit begins with you completing a Client Intake Form, then a brief conversation about the service(s) you selected, what you hope to receive from the experience, and any comfort preferences or questions you may have.
Gail will explain the session before it begins. You will always have an opportunity to ask questions and communicate your preferences.
Do I need experience with holistic wellness practices?
No. Lotus Bloom Wellness welcomes people who are completely new to holistic wellness as well as those who have previous experience.
Gail will explain what to expect and help you feel comfortable before your session begins.
Do I need to believe in energy-based wellness for a session to be worthwhile?
No particular belief system is required. You are welcome to approach the experience with curiosity and simply use the time as an opportunity to become quiet, relax, and focus on your personal well-being.
Are the services religious?
No. The services offered by Lotus Bloom Wellness are not associated with or dependent upon any particular religion.
People from all religious, spiritual, and personal backgrounds are welcome. No specific spiritual belief is required to participate.
Will my personal boundaries be respected?
Yes. Your comfort, dignity, and personal boundaries are important.
Before the session, Gail will explain what the service involves and discuss whether any light physical contact might be used. You may request a completely hands-off session, decline any part of the experience, ask questions, or end the session at any time.
Are these services a form of medical treatment?
No. Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Sound Healing, and Meditation Coaching are offered as complementary wellness services. They are not medical, nursing, mental health, or other licensed healthcare treatment.
These services do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases or medical conditions and should not replace appropriate care from a qualified healthcare professional.
Does Gail provide medical or nursing advice?
No. Although Gail is a Registered Nurse with extensive healthcare and nursing education experience, the services provided through Lotus Bloom Wellness are not nursing or medical services.
Questions about symptoms, diagnoses, medications, or medical treatment should be directed to an appropriate licensed healthcare provider.
Can I use these services while receiving medical treatment?
Holistic wellness services may be used alongside conventional care, but they should never replace medical evaluation or treatment.
If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, have an implanted medical device, or have questions about whether a service is appropriate for you, consult your healthcare provider before participating and tell Gail about any relevant comfort or safety concerns.
Are services covered by health insurance?
Lotus Bloom Wellness does not bill health insurance. Because these are complementary wellness services rather than medical treatment, clients should expect to pay for services directly.
Please contact Gail for current pricing and payment information.
What results should I expect?
Every person’s experience is different, and no specific result can be promised.
Some people report feeling calm, rested, peaceful, or more centered following a session. Others may experience the session differently. The purpose is to provide a supportive opportunity for relaxation and personal well-being, not to guarantee a particular outcome.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
REIKI QUESTIONS
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle Japanese energy-based practice commonly used to encourage relaxation and a sense of balance and well-being.
During a session, the practitioner places her hands lightly on or slightly above different areas of the body according to the client’s preferences.
What happens during a Reiki session?
You will usually relax on a comfortable treatment table while remaining fully clothed. If lying on a table is uncomfortable, another suitable position may be discussed.
Gail may place her hands lightly on or just above different areas of the body. The session is quiet, gentle, and adapted to your personal comfort level.
Does Reiki involve physical touch?
Reiki may be provided with light touch or without direct physical contact.
Gail will discuss your preferences before beginning. You may request a completely hands-off session at any time.
What might I experience during Reiki?
Experiences vary from person to person.
Some people notice warmth, coolness, tingling, a sense of heaviness or lightness, or deep relaxation. Others may simply feel peaceful or notice very little during the session. There is no correct response, and a session does not depend upon experiencing a particular sensation.
Is Reiki a massage?
No. Reiki is not a massage and does not involve rubbing, kneading, manipulation of muscles, or removing clothing.
How should I prepare for a Reiki session?
Wear comfortable clothing and arrive with enough time to settle in without feeling rushed.
You may wish to avoid a very heavy meal immediately before your appointment. No other special preparation is ordinarily required.
How often should I schedule Reiki?
There is no required schedule. Some people arrange an individual session when they want time to relax, while others choose to make Reiki part of a personal wellness routine.
Gail can discuss scheduling options with you, but the frequency is always your decision.
Can Reiki diagnose or heal a medical condition?
No. Reiki is not a diagnostic procedure or medical treatment, and it is not offered as a cure for any illness or condition.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
THERAPEUTIC TOUCH QUESTIONS
What is Therapeutic Touch?
Therapeutic Touch is a gentle, non-invasive energy-based wellness practice developed within the nursing community.
It uses focused attention and intentional hand movements, generally near the body, to support a calm and relaxing experience.
Is Therapeutic Touch the same as massage?
No. Despite its name, Therapeutic Touch is not massage.
It does not involve rubbing, kneading, manipulating muscles, or removing clothing. Much of the practice may be performed with the practitioner’s hands held near, rather than directly on, the body.
Will Gail physically touch me?
Therapeutic Touch can generally be provided with little or no direct contact.
Before beginning, Gail will explain the process and ask about your preferences. Your personal boundaries will be respected throughout the session.
What happens during a Therapeutic Touch session?
You will remain fully clothed and relax in a comfortable position.
Gail will use calm, intentional hand movements around or, with permission, lightly on the body. The experience is quiet, gentle, and designed to support relaxation and comfort.
What might I feel during the session?
Each person responds differently.
Some people report sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, peacefulness, or deep relaxation. Others may not notice a distinct physical sensation. There is no particular feeling that you are expected to experience.
How is Therapeutic Touch different from Reiki?
Both are gentle energy-based wellness practices that may encourage relaxation, but they developed from different traditions and use different methods.
Reiki originated in Japan and commonly uses a series of hand positions. Therapeutic Touch was developed within the nursing community and typically uses intentional hand movements near the body.
Gail can explain both services and help you decide which experience interests you most.
Is Therapeutic Touch medical or nursing treatment?
No. Although Therapeutic Touch has historical connections to nursing, it is offered by Lotus Bloom Wellness solely as a complementary wellness service.
It is not nursing care, medical treatment, or a substitute for evaluation and care from a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
SOUND HEALING QUESTIONS
What is Sound Healing?
Sound Healing is a relaxation-focused wellness practice that uses sound and vibration to create a calm, meditative environment.
Depending on the session, instruments may include singing bowls, tuning forks, or other sound-producing tools.
What happens during a Sound Healing session?
You will relax in a comfortable position while Gail creates a thoughtfully paced sound experience.
Different tones, rhythms, and vibrations may be used to encourage stillness and focused awareness. The exact experience may be adjusted according to your comfort and sensitivity to sound.
Do I need musical or meditation experience?
No. You do not need to understand music, play an instrument, or have previous meditation experience.
Your role is simply to become comfortable, listen, and experience the sounds in your own way.
How loud is a Sound Healing session?
Sound Healing should not be painfully loud. However, people have different levels of sound sensitivity.
Please tell Gail if you are sensitive to particular sounds, frequencies, or volume levels. She can discuss the planned instruments with you and adjust the experience when appropriate.
What might I experience during Sound Healing?
Some people report feeling peaceful, deeply relaxed, reflective, or more aware of their breathing and surroundings.
Individual responses vary, and there is no particular sensation or result that you are expected to have.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to rest easily. You will remain fully clothed throughout the session.
Is Sound Healing appropriate for everyone?
Sound can affect people differently. Before scheduling, tell Gail if you have significant sound sensitivity, tinnitus, a seizure disorder, an implanted medical device, or another concern that may affect your comfort or safety.
If you are uncertain whether Sound Healing is appropriate because of a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider first.
Does Sound Healing treat medical conditions?
No. Sound Healing at Lotus Bloom Wellness is a complementary relaxation and wellness service. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a medical or mental health condition.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
MEDITATION COACHING QUESTIONS
What is Meditation Coaching?
Meditation Coaching provides personalized guidance for people who want to begin or strengthen a practical meditation practice.
Gail can help you explore simple techniques, work through common difficulties, and develop an approach that fits realistically into your daily life.
Is Meditation Coaching suitable for beginners?
Yes. Meditation Coaching is especially helpful for people who are interested in meditation but do not know how to begin or believe they are unable to quiet their minds.
No previous meditation experience is required.
Do I have to completely clear my mind?
No. Meditation does not require you to stop every thought.
A more practical goal is to notice when your attention has wandered and gently bring it back to your breath, a sound, a word, or another point of focus. Wandering thoughts are normal and do not mean you are doing something wrong.
What happens during a Meditation Coaching session?
Gail will begin by asking about your goals, previous experience, daily routine, and any difficulties you have encountered.
She may then guide you through a simple meditation technique and help you develop a realistic way to practice at home. Sessions can be adjusted to your experience and comfort level.
Do I need to sit on the floor?
No. Meditation can be practiced while sitting comfortably in a chair. Depending on your needs and comfort, other positions may also be considered.
You do not need to sit cross-legged or maintain an uncomfortable posture.
How long do I need to meditate?
Meditation does not have to take a long time. Beginners may find that a few consistent minutes are more manageable than attempting a lengthy session.
Gail can help you choose a realistic starting point and gradually develop a routine that works for you.
Is meditation connected to a particular religion?
Meditation appears in many religious and cultural traditions, but the coaching offered by Lotus Bloom Wellness does not require adherence to any religion or spiritual belief.
The techniques can be approached as personal practices for stillness, awareness, and relaxation.
Can Meditation Coaching replace mental health treatment?
No. Meditation Coaching is not psychotherapy, counseling, or mental health treatment.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or another mental health concern, contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Choosing a new wellness experience should feel comfortable and unhurried.
If you have additional questions or are unsure which service to select, Gail would be happy to speak with you. To reach out to her, please use the Contact Form here, and she will return your message and/or contact you directly.
Gail Auten, LOTUS BLOOM WELLNESS
Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Appointments are required.
Lotus Bloom Wellness, LLC
Located inside Sage Salon & Spa
7110 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite A-2
Wilmington, NC 28403
IMPORTANT WELLNESS DISCLAIMER
The services provided by Lotus Bloom Wellness are holistic and complementary in nature. They are not provided as medical, nursing, mental health, or other licensed healthcare treatment.
These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition and should not be used as a substitute for care from a qualified healthcare professional.
Clients should consult an appropriate healthcare provider regarding medical symptoms, diagnoses, medications, treatment decisions, or questions about whether a wellness service is suitable for them.
Lotus Bloom Wellness does not provide emergency services. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.