holistic healing

There was a time when Rhichelle Rutter would suppress her emotions and hide behind a happy, dynamic façade.

She would often display a ‘go-go-go’ energy and occasionally found herself numbing hard feelings with alcohol. It was this behaviour, Rhichelle believes, that resulted in her becoming quite sick after returning from a three-year-stint in Canada.

‘I was feeling flushed, had extreme stomach pain, suffered from dizziness, bloating, constipating, fatigue and I had psoriasis,’ Rhichelle said. ‘I went to the hospital and was told I had kidney stones, but two days after I started taking medication and having ultrasounds, I was back in the hospital and was told to stop taking the medication because I was wrongly diagnosed.’

Having grown increasingly frustrated while searching for answers, Rhichelle decided to seek help from a local kinesiologist.

It was a sliding door moment.

Rhichelle’s symptoms disappeared, she was inspired to change her lifestyle and she decided to delve into a new career journey.

‘At my first Kinesiology appointment, I explained my symptoms and she told me to hop on the massage table,  asked me questions and muscle tested me. I felt safe, I felt heard – she deeply listened,’ Rhichelle said.

‘I felt quite emotional when I left the appointment. Two days later I felt so light and free and empowered. I then felt inspired to change some things in my life, the first being my diet and to stop drinking alcohol.

‘I continued having sessions every month with the kinesiologist. It was during an appointment that I had the ‘a-ha’ moment, that this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Kinesiology was helping me so much to feel like myself again naturally, and I wanted to show and help others too.’

After studying Kinesiology, Rhichelle  started her own business Hold and Heal last year. The studies opened her eyes to numerous other modalities to incorporate into sessions, including Reiki and Somatic Breathwork.

‘A lot of people believe kinesiology is a load of crap.  I think they are nervous or scared to try it, maybe they’re not ready not ready to face some stuff and I guess it’s not really mainstream modalities- but its popularity is building! It’s definitely something you have to experience and ‘feel’ and that’s why I encourage people to just try it.’

Rhichelle said many clients were nervous when they attend their first session, but she loved creating a safe space for them.

‘I love seeing the shift in someone from the start of the sessions- coming in nervous or very held back- then completely opening up and seeing the lightness they hold on the way out. I love seeing them realise it’s really not that scary to allow yourself to feel,’ Rhichelle said. ‘I also love meeting and listening to other’s stories and journey’s – it’s so beautiful and a reminder to always be kind and never judge a book by the cover.

‘I love seeing connections made in the group sessions and them realising they aren’t alone. I love the trust people build with me.  I love seeing people find their voice. I love seeing them come back to themself, being them wholeheartedly.’

Rhichelle holds mobile and online healing sessions, group Reiki and group Breathwork and Reiki sessions and also hosts community group events. The next group event will be held on 27 September in the rainforest.

For more information or to book, message Rhichelle through  Hold and Heal Instagram or via email: holdandhealrr@gmail.com