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Natural Awakenings Sarasota / Manatee / Charlotte

The Intersection of Beauty, Wellness, and Relaxation: Q&A with Luma MD Spa

by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer  

In this world of “quick-fix remedies” that claim to relieve stress, remove toxins, and revitalize a youthful appearance, it can be easy to forget real wellness is not surface-deep. A sustainable approach to mental, emotional, and physical health requires diving beneath the exterior to restore balance from within. That’s where holistic beauty, wellness, and relaxation intersect. In this month’s Community Spotlight, Cheryl Elsbree, co-founder (along with Dr. Scott Elsbree) of Luma MD Med Spa and Wellness Center in Sarasota, sheds more light on these three components and how they can join forces to nurture the healthiest version of you.  

Natural Awakenings: What kinds of services do you offer at Luma MD Med Spa, and can you elaborate on the philosophy of combining wellness, beauty, and relaxation modalities into one comprehensive treatment regimen?  

Cheryl Elsbree: Because our med spa is a close part of our hybrid concierge internal medicine practice, our services extend beyond the conventional spa menu for an integrative approach to health, beauty, and relaxation. We perform holistic skincare and beauty treatments such as natural and organic customized facials, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion for gentle exfoliation, and non-invasive cosmetic face and hair restoration procedures.  

We also promote mind-body wellness through naturopathic and functional medicine techniques such as herbal remedies, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and nutritional counseling. If you are looking for stress relief, we offer a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere where mindfulness practices and relaxation treatments are an integral part of our holistic spa services. 

Luma MD’s philosophy is rooted in the awareness that beauty is not just skin-deep. We recognize the connection between physical, mental, and emotional health, then we integrate our wellness modalities with beauty and relaxation techniques to create more balanced, comprehensive, and sustainable self-care practices. We aim to provide a sanctuary where our clients and patients can rejuvenate, enhance their natural beauty, and nurture well-being from the inside out.  

NA: Sarasota is such a vibrant community for holistic and alternative healing—what sets Luma MD apart from other wellness centers in the area? How do you strive to offer patients a uniquely beneficial and memorable experience?   

Elsbree: In the heart of Sarasota, Luma MD stands out as a beacon of excellence for holistic wellness with an unwavering commitment to offer a transformative experience for all our patients. We don't merely focus on one aspect of beauty and well-being—instead, we embrace the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. As such, we offer diverse treatments that cater to the multi-faceted needs of our community. 

What truly distinguishes Luma MD is our compassionate and highly skilled team. From licensed therapists and medical aestheticians, to holistic medicine practitioners, we’re committed to prioritizing the unique needs of each patient through clear, open communication and collaborative, personalized treatments. We aim to make everyone feel heard, supported, and empowered on their journey to total health. 

Step into an environment curated for tranquility and rejuvenation. Our state-of-the-art facilities have the latest technologies to enhance your mind-body wellness. Beyond treatments, we serve as an educational hub where our clients can learn more about holistic practices, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness techniques. We also host events to foster a sense of holistic community to connect, share experiences, and come alongside each other in pursuit of wellness.  

NA: The New Year is traditionally a season to hit the refresh button on wellness priorities—what piece of advice or insight would you offer someone who wants to recommit to their health, but might not know where to start?   

Elsbree: It’s a commendable decision to prioritize your wellness in 2024, and as you embark on the journey, please know that you’re not alone—we are here to guide you on this transformative path. If you’re not sure where to start, consider the following steps:  

  1. Reflect on your wellness goals. What do you want to recommit to this year? Whether it's physical fitness, mental health, nutrition, or a combination of these, defining your objectives will offer both clarity and motivation.  2.

  2. Identify a few small, manageable steps. Setting overly ambitious goals can be too overwhelming. Start with objectives that feel attainable, then challenge yourself with more incremental goals as you continue to build momentum.  3.

  3. Consult with health professionals who can offer personalized, actionable guidance. Nutritionists, fitness trainers, and holistic practitioners will help you create a tailored strategy based on your own specific needs or goals, then form a realistic plan. Consider your schedule, preferences, lifestyle, and potential obstacles. This will increase the likelihood of long-term success. 

  4. Nurture your mental health. Incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, or activities that spark joy. Mental and emotional balance are crucial for well-being.   

  5. Explore modalities that strengthen the mind-body connection. Try yoga or an infrared sauna to elevate natural immunity and detoxification, as well as acupuncture, or a holistic spa such as Luma MD for treatments that contribute to integrative wellness. 

  6. Share your progress with others. This support network will offer encouragement, accountability, and connection on your wellness path. 

  7. Pay attention to the signals in your body. If an exercise or nutritional choice does not feel right, be open to adjustments. Listening to your own body will foster a more sustainable and intuitive approach to health maintenance. 

  8. Stay consistent to establish new habits and create positive changes. This process takes time, so be patient with yourself. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that optimal health is a lifelong journey—not a destination. 

  9. Acknowledge each milestone, no matter how small it might feel. Re-evaluate your goals, reward yourself for new achievements, and be willing to adapt as necessary. Applauding your efforts is essential for building motivation.  

NA: Finally, are there any new updates in the works for Luma MD in 2024 that you’re excited to share with our local community?  

Elsbree: Progress is constant within the realm of medical aesthetics. Technological advancements, treatment innovations, and other new techniques continually refine the landscape. Here at Luma MD, we take pride in our commitment to staying ahead of these developments, ensuring that our services are not just up-to-date, but also reflect the pinnacle of excellence in our field. Dr. Elsbree and I believe that continuing education in our field is critical. Therefore, we stay at the forefront of medical aesthetics, and we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share that education with our clients and patients.  

Luma MD Med Spa and Wellness Center is located at 2601 Cattlemen Road, Suite 305, Sarasota. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 941-342-1333, ext. 204 or visit https://www.lumamdskin.com/ 

 

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