Sana, Sana Holistic Therapies
- Year Invented: 2018
Sana has lived in South Norwood for 14 years. A few years ago, she received a promotion while working in a school and working in such a high stress job took a large toll on her. She began looking into holistic treatment for herself, starting with yoga and meditation before getting into sound and reflexology. She notes what a big difference the treatments made on her wellbeing although being sceptical at first, as being teaching science and health and social care holistic treatment went against what she believed and taught.
Converted to the art, Sana decided to train as a reflexologist herself. She explains reflexology to me as treating someone from the feet upwards, feeling the nerves which indicate a lot about the body. She has also been qualified for over two years as a sound healer. She now works part time at the school to make more time for her holistic work, including running works shops and wellness circles.
Sana loves living and working in South Norwood. She notes that it is the first place she has lived where she has felt such a sense of community. However, Sana thinks the high street’s appearance does not reflect the people in the community. She describes the shop owners like friends and wants more businesses to open and help develop the high street. The area has been growing for several years now and Sana hopes it continues to do so.
Words by Elizabeth Walters
Interview with Sana, Reflexologist, Reiki Therapist and Sound Healer, October 2021
This project was part of the South Drawood exhibition in 2022 by artist Jonny Kemp. A community art project celebrating the people of South Norwood, SE25.
From autumn of 2021 to summer 2022, Jonny drew 40 portraits of independent business owners, volunteers, and other movers and shakers from South Norwood, his local area. His partner Lizzie interviewed them.
South Norwood is regenerating yet doesn’t want to gentrify: it wants to keep its character and support people who already live in the area to prosper.
The portraits were displayed in Stanley Arts, a beautiful Edwardian arts venue on South Norwood Hill. Over 150 people attended the opening night: Friday 29th July 2022.