Tracey's Bio

My interest in holistic health and wellness began in 1990.
I watched my maternal grandmother, who I was deeply bonded with, battle a serious cancer and eventually succumb to her illness and die. Most of her discomfort and suffering was the result of the treatment and not the actual disease itself!  After her passing on January 1, 1991 I started to ask, ‘”Was there a more gentle approach to provide treatment for her?” I had a “knowing” that the answer was “YES”!! I moved away from the L.A. area, a place where I had lived my whole life, and came to San Diego leaving behind a secure and well paying corporate career. I was determined to look at my life and my work in a completely different way. For a year I did nothing but explore everything that S.D. had to offer related to health, wellness and holistic treatments. I took on a radical cleansing approach for my own mind-body-spirit and discovered myself in ways which I had never dreamed possible. I began to heal.

In 1992 I entered the Massage Technician course at The School of Healing Arts. After exploring an interest in Physical Therapy I discovered that I was not interested in supporting the “medical model” of disease and function control. I was drawn toward gentle, holistic wellness and the idea that WE are in charge of our healing process.  I believe and that our bodies are born “encoded” with everything it needs to mend itself.  That same year I began doing massage therapy and fell in love with the work! 

I continued my education in massage and wellness and read everything that I could get my hands on related to holistic healing. I took classes and workshops to further my formal education as a Holistic Health Practitioner/Personal Fitness Trainer at The California College of Holistic Studies. My personal wellness path continued and I began to notice that I felt younger and more vital everyday! I started to develop my wellness and massage practice in 1994 and continue to offer this work today.

In 2005 I became very interested in skin care and decided to incorporate this wonderful work into my wellness practice by becoming a State licensed Esthetician.  I opened Dwell Sanctuary in 2006 and since have co-created a beautiful wellness spa along with 7 other practitioners who share space and vision with me.

In the spirit of my love for holistic health, my intention is to work in skin care with the same thoughtful attention that I do in my bodywork practice. To provide “skin wellness” I search for and use only “clean” natural and organic products that will not harm or injure the skin, but instead support it’s own natural function by gently providing the nutrients and support it needs to flourish and heal itself. 

Aging and skin conditions are ALWAYS a result of irritation. It doesn’t matter if we are addressing wrinkles or acne; irritation is always the root cause. Our skin becomes irritated with such things as our diets, lifestyle, stress, harsh products, pollution and hard water. 

Why I am so different in my approach to skin care? Although addressing and treating symptoms will be effective for a while  this course is eventually disappointing. I choose to offer products that aim to provide a sustainable result by reactivating the function of the skin so that it will perform like it did when it was young and healthy.   I prefer to guide my clients on what they can do to make permanent changes to their skin, gently, holistically and soundly. I do this with highly effective, organic products, dietary and lifestyle suggestions.

For example you might come to me for a facial to help clear up your acne, I may recommend that you use a good greens drink everyday to alkalize your system as well as encourage you to use a daily probiotic (healthy bacterial support like acidophilus) to maintain a strong and vital digestive function. If your skin is showing signs of pre-mature aging or stress I may guide you to a resource for deep breathing and meditation to sooth stress. Your skin will  reflect this work. (See ‘The Face' page on the website for more details on skin care)

I always work with my clients in a manner that suits their highest good. I NEVER, EVER try to motivate a client by using scare tactics and fear. I am never pushy and do my best to provide high quality, professional products at a great price!

Taking the holistic approach  to health and skin care is not quick-fix magic bullet. It takes time and patience with the “mind-body-spirit” to reverse the damage that has been done. Wellness and skin results occur with dedication. Most people did not become imbalanced over night. Our imbalances occur over years of ignoring the body’s signals to move in a healthier direction with personal care.  Changes come about with gradual and patient attentiveness to ones wellness needs..

My hope is that this description gives you a clearer understanding of how I choose to work. If my style resonates with you I would love to meet you and work with your amazing, intelligent and all knowing body and skin. 

Thank you so much for the opportunity!