Nourishing Edinburgh
A list of magic makers in Edinburgh, Scotland
Hi Friends,
We are officially in the “kooky season” of the holidays now that it is December. I am deeply invested in all things holiday season: I wish for snow (which we had a smattering of here in Turin for a hot minute last month) and love taking long walks at night to see the holiday lights around town, which are abundant in Italy, and to peek at windows with festive decor (but not peeping in a weird way) of bright lights and trees. The season lifts me up and carries me with it and I so enjoy it.
But, as I see people start to rush about, whether they are shopping for gifts or seeing friends and wandering busy holiday markets, I thought again about the need for a pause. I think even in joyous hectic-ness, nourishing ourselves as the world continues to spin or churn is necessary so today I am sharing the incredible healers in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh quickly became one of my favorite places in the world to be during my first visit in the winter of 2023. I’ve been lucky to visit three times since January 2023, staying for 6 weeks to over 2 months each time. I have loved it more each time - the gorgeous walks and spots of stunning nature throughout the city; the charming cobblestoned streets, sweeping castles and historic kirkyards, excellent coffee and cozy restaurants and book stores galore! The secret corners, friendly and delightful people, dogs everywhere and the haunting music of bagpipes that seem to permeate the city no matter where I am. It is dreamy.
What might not be quite so well-known: the true healers who offer incredible services to help you nourish and recharge. Since my first visit I have been accumulating an impressive list and cultivating relationships with wonderful people who I am delighted to now call friends. If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh bookmark this page and be sure to create space for a treatment (or two). You won’t be sorry.
MY NOURISHING EDINBURGH LIST
MODM - this elegant shop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh on St. Stephens Street, was right around the corner from my first flat and I was immediately drawn in by its minimal beauty. I was drawn in by Jodi, the shops delightful owner and we became fast friends. MODM produces some of the very best beauty products I have ever used. I am absolutely obsessed with the face oil, which I’ve now purchased several bottles. On my latest visit, this autumn, I was able to book a facial with Jodi in her serene and gorgeous treatment room. I spent one of the most relaxing hours I can remember in the dim light while Jodi used her magic products and hands to give me a glow from inside out. After that experience I had to have her cleanser, which is like a warm jelly that foams when you add water and is so spectacular - it is a MUST. MODM also uses and sells Nouri products, a clean brand from Copenhagen, and their team made a visit to Edinburgh in October and I had another skin treatment with them - it was beyond fantastic and I became an immediate fan of their serum. At the very least you must visit the shop, as Jodi sells multiple products including wonderful custom incense and candles. However, if you can, book a facial to nourish your skin and soul.
A quick aside from healers: St. Stephens Street is one of the best in town with many excellent shops and pubs and bars. My favorite sustainable clothing shop - TREEN - which has the most delightful owner and staff and beautiful clothing lines with ethical practices is on the corner just three spots down from MODM. Golden Hare Books - a super charming, tiny bookshop is a must pop-in for books and SKUA is great restaurant below grounds while the Last Word is the perfect spot for a craft cocktail.
LISA LEE ACUPUNCTURE - before I visited Edinburgh for the first time in January 2023 I was called to look for an acupuncturist there. I had booked my flat and something spoke to me that I might have some luck with acupuncture for ailments that had been plaguing me for some time. I found Lisa Lee online and read her profile and booked a session for my first week. I have now seen Lisa over a dozen times in the last 2 years and she is one of the very best - a true healer. Her approach is so gentle and thorough. Working with her has been the best acupuncture experience of my life and I’ve worked with multiple acupuncturists. Her office is located in the West End of Edinburgh which is an excellent neighborhood to explore but her street in particular has my favorite flower shop and a great wine bar.
THE LYMPHATIC METHOD - it was sometime this past summer that Gillian, also known as the Lymphatic Facialist on Instagram, showed up in my feed. I can’t remember how exactly I found her page but immediately I was drawn in to her healing vibe and began following her. Gillian offers several services that focus on “enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process through lymphatic drainage”. While looking through her Instagram page and then her website one service really spoke to me: a 90-minute lymphatic drainage massage and facial. I decided to book this treatment on my birthday in October and all I can write is WOW. Again, another top 10 experience, I literally floated back to my flat in the rain, which is a 30-minute walk from Gillian’s space in the West End. I remember her saying to me before she began I want you to feel safe and comfortable and enjoy yourself: who doesn’t want this? I felt the wonderful effects of her healing touch for days after. I highly recommend booking as early as possible if you know you’re going to be in Edinburgh as she’s typically booked out by weeks. DO NOTE: Gillian lives in the (very) charming seaside town of North Berwick, which is an easy train ride from Edinburgh Waverly, and has a practice there as well. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to North Berwick in itself but maybe you can combine your trip with the visit and a treatment.
AMANDA BURNETT CRANIOSACRAL - have I mentioned that 2024 has been, well, a YEAR? I have had some serious challenges in my mind and body and some of it came to a head while I was in Scotland this autumn. I needed some help with my body and head energy in addition to the acupuncture I was doing and craniosacral therapy popped into my mind. It had been many years since I had craniosacral therapy, which I had done regularly back in the 90’s when I worked at Canyon Ranch, a world renowned wellness and medical spa/resort but I knew from experience it could be very helpful. For those who don’t know it: craniosacral therapy, in brief, is a light-touch hands-on therapy that can help move the energies in the body and make everything work more efficiently. I started searching for practitioners in Edinburgh and hit the jackpot with Amanda Burnett. Amanda is a wonderful therapist, who asks important questions, listens intently and does amazing work. Her office is located just on the edge of New Town, towards the West End.
SOLSTICE WELLNESS - when I was on my way to one of my favorite coffee spots, Ante, which is about a 20-minute walk from my flat in Stockbridge, my eye was caught by a new shop on the lower level on Broughton Street. Called Solstice Wellness the sign said they had quality supplements and I could see through the window a cozy space and I couldn’t wait to visit. Unfortunately, I did not get my timing right and didn’t visit until the last two weeks of my recent stay. I say unfortunate because Solstice Wellness has so much to offer! When I first visited, I immediately got on with Graham, one of the owners, and we had a great connection and chat. Graham and his wife, April, moved to Edinburgh from the US 2-years earlier and opened Solstice Wellness. April is a naturopathic doctor and offers many excellent 1:1 consultations focusing on women’s health (which we need more focus on). I was able to enjoy getting to know Graham and April better over coffee and a walk, as we ended up living only a few minutes walk away from each other, and I just love and support all they are offering the Edinburgh community. Solstice Wellness also has great quality supplements and other products in the shop and has an infrared sauna, BEMER mat (pulsing electro magnetic field), and Hyperbaric (oxygen) therapy. I was able to book a session on the BEMER mat followed by the infrared sauna and it was HEAVEN. If I was living there, especially in winter, I think I would go every week. Definitely bookmark a visit to the shop and explore their offerings. Broughton Street is a great one, nestled between New Town Stockbridge and bustling Leith Walk, and has many excellent restaurants, one of my favorite coffee spots, Artisan Roast (the staff at this location is the very best), very cute shops and a Real Foods Organic grocery store. A must visit.
I hope this list perhaps inspired you to seek out some of these therapies for yourself, wherever you are, during this hectic time of year or jeez, this hectic time in the world. I personally feel like the world is A LOT right now and I’m remembering to take time to pause and nourish my nervous system as much as I can whether it be at home or working with an incredible healer.
If you’re considering a trip to Edinburgh do let me know as I would be happy to share more intel and recommendations. Edinburgh is, quite simply, magic.
Take good care of yourself. Thanks for being here.
Until next time….