Wellness for womens

Fiona Arrigo is a psychotherapist, biodynamic psychologist, intuitive healer and mentor. She founded The Arrigo Programme to help clients achieve life transformation. She runs global retreats and curates personal treatment programmes and group events for women, such as wellness talks, goddess gatherings and meditations at A Place To Heal, The Arrigo Programme’s London outpost.

How do you see the relationship between women and beauty spaces evolving?

“It’s an age-old adage, but beauty really does come from within, and it feels as though there’s an increasing awareness of this now. Women are coming back to themselves, looking inwards to access their own vitality and glow, rather than seeking solely to have it ‘applied’ to them by way of a treatment or procedure.

“Healing spaces have cast off their old ‘hippie’ reputation and are now perceived as just as glamorous and inviting as a beauty salon or spa. Female connection has always been central to beauty; look at how women go for spa days together. That sense of connection is just as rejuvenating as the treatment itself.”

How can traditional beauty businesses support clients to commune and work on inner peace?

“This is already beginning to happen: treatment spaces are increasingly calming and nurturing in appearance, providing a cocooning environment for their clients. Positive affirmations are displayed on walls and lush greenery is incorporated into décor. All of these things have the effect of making beauty spaces a place to rest, as well as to perk up the appearance.

“The traditional stack of consumer-facing women’s magazines, many of which are full of negativity and standards for unhappy comparisons, could be removed in favour of, for instance, beautiful photography books in reception or relaxation areas. Quiet, meditative spaces could be created for clients to self-commune in while preparing for their treatment. Therapists and practitioners could also make use of these waiting times with guided meditations or nurturing massage.

“We’re experiencing a collective shift where we understand sisterhood and that it’s not cool to undermine other women, and this is all a response to that. If we as women learn and heal, the ripple effects lead to change in others, our relationships and the planet because we’re being peaceful within our day, which is vital.”

How can the wellness industry make healing spaces and practices more accessible to all women?

“Creating nurturing, welcoming and affordable spaces is just one element. Women traditionally have an interesting approach to looking after themselves: it’s seen as an indulgence, something frequently associated with a ‘treat’ or even, often, a sense of guilt. This can be a real barrier to women accessing what they need. Modern women meet the needs of so many others that they often end up sacrificing their own.

“An emotionally responsible beauty industry would move away from this idea of indulgence and towards self-care. Actively encouraging women to come in with other women is also key for establishing and maintaining that sense of connection with support networks.”