Mardi Ritchie, the esteemed holistic spa therapist, musician, and songwriter, has garnered acclaim for her illustrious journey in the realm of skincare. Renowned for her holistic approach and ingenious integration of sound therapy into her treatments, Mardi’s expertise transcends traditional beauty boundaries. With a wealth of experience in the industry and an innate musical prowess, she has forged an extraordinary path that harmoniously melds touch, sound, and fragrance, resulting in transcendent transformations for her discerning clientele. Scroll to read more about her sound journey…
1. What inspired you to create Chakana Sound?
I actually began life as a musician. I was raised by a musical family and music inevitably accompanied me on my path to healing. Music became my therapy. I studied at the Australian Institute of Music, exploring the concepts and practises of healing through sound and I realised what a powerful healing modality sound is! I dreamed of combining healing touch with vibrational sound/song so that others could experience what had healed and restored me. Chakana Sound has enabled me to live that dream.
2. What is the philosophy behind Chakana Sound’s use of sound therapy?
The philosophy behind Chakana Sound’s use of sound therapy is to awaken the senses through sound, touch, scent, and song. The sound-activated mists, perfume rollers, and oil blends are designed to give clients a fully immersive scent and sound experience. Each track is composed to gently rearrange and align the vital power centres of the body, inviting surrender as an instrument of deep impactful shifts. The Chakana Ascend EP is a sanctuary of comfort and respite, a place where one can find and renew themselves. I believe that the body is an instrument and I tune in to feel the rhythm, listening to the vibration of the body as the voice of the soul. I harmonise with it, creating a medicinal space for healing and self-awareness. The philosophy of sound healing is based on the fundamental principle that all matter vibrates at a specific frequency through which it can both influence and be influenced by all other matter. Thus, everything on the planet and beyond can be considered interconnected through resonance.
3. How do you incorporate sound into your signature Ascend treatment?
My Ascend treatment is the heart and soul behind Chakana. I believe that sound has the power to heal the mind, body, and soul, and I use it to create a multi-layered spiritual experience for my clients. It’s a complete immersion for the soul and I use my voice layered with my carefully curated instruments – Tibetan sound bowls, guitar, rain sticks, gongs and bells. I use sound as a tool to help my clients connect with their inner selves and to help them release any negative energy that may be blocking their chakras. Infused within the wisdom of my touch and my songs, written as a spiritual chiropractic, this experience activates energy centres and uplifts the spirit.
4. What is the purpose of the sound-activated mists, perfume rollers, and oil blends in your treatments?
My sound-active range enhances the sensory experience of my clients. All our treatments at Chakana begin with a scent ceremony, where the client is asked to choose the fragrance that resonates with them at that moment. The mists, rollers, and blends are infused with therapeutic essential oils carefully selected to complement the sound therapy that Chakana is known for. The sound-activated range is activated by the sound of my voice or the music that I play during the treatment, creating a multi-sensory experience that helps to soothe the mind, body, and soul. Clients are invited to take their chosen fragrance home with them to continue the sensory, therapeutic journey long after the treatment has ended.
5. How do you compose each track to gently rearrange and align the vital power centres of the body?
First, I tune into the specific energy centre. I feel it’s resonance. (which is something I teach people to do in my sound baths) and I work backwards from there. For You’re Beautiful, (Chakana Sound’s second single) which is about the energy of the heart, I find the notes in my voice that literally resonate/ vibrate in my chest. And from here I work with these notes with my voice and on the instrument, to form a melody around this resonance.
Song writing/ composing is always about following a feeling. And then finding the words to express that feeling. Each energy centre in our body has a purpose, a personality almost, with certain traits it looks after. I crafted the lyrics around these ancient truths, hopefully in a language that makes sense to us.
When I tell people that I have written the soundtrack to my signature spa treatment, they think pan drums and flutes. This music is not that. It’s lyrically driven, intended to be performed within a body treatment where these energy centres are being activated, so one can feel the resonance of the sound within their body.
6. What is your philosophy on healing and self-awareness, and how does it influence your music?
I created Chakana Sound as an invitation to tune in and surrender. I believe healing actually begins with self-awareness. In a world that leads us to stray so far from what we know our truths to be, checking in with ourselves and knowing where we’re at is where we need to start. Through lyric, melody and layers of instrumental accompaniment, my music invites surrender as an instrument of deep impactful shifts.
7. How does Chakana Sound’s philosophy on sound therapy differ from other approaches?
Chakana Sound aims to awaken the senses through sound, touch, scent and song. Our sound therapy is a completely immersive experience for all the senses – it’s not just an aural experience, it’s a very indulgent, soulful way to experience sound. Chakana Sound offers clients an opportunity experience sound within the realms of our luxurious spa environment – it’s a real treat.
8. How can clients experience Chakana Sound?
Clients can experience Chakana Sound by booking my signature Ascend treatment. We also do group Sound Baths, but done the Chakana way which includes a sound healing, a scent infusion, breath work and a hypnotic journey of letting go and tuning in through the eye of perception and beyond. Additionally, clients can listen to Chakana Sound’s 1st few singles (of many to come) on all major music platforms or by clicking here.
CONNECT & LISTEN
www.chakana.com.au
instagram: @chakanadayspawellbeing + @chakanasound
TikTok here
Watch videos here
