The Iowa City Healing Arts Center Takes a New Direction

When Courtney Keyes took over ownership of the Iowa City Healing Arts Center (ICHAC) in the fall of 2010 it consisted of three private practitioners providing healing services and weekly yoga classes.

But Keyes had a broader vision for what she wanted at the center.

“In addition to providing healing services, I wanted to equip women to heal themselves and their families by presenting alternative healing techniques in down to Earth language and a welcoming environment,” Keyes said. 

In time, the center has grown enough so that vision could become a reality. Now the center has seven practitioners: Christy Anderson (co-founder ICHAC), Michelle Vorwald, Tara Mann, Mary Ida Adams, Laura Zeigler, Lori Eiserman and Courtney Keyes.

This new staff has allowed the healing center to provide a variety of new services.

According to Keyes, weekly classes allow participants to explore Vinyasa Flow Yoga, American Tribal Style Bellydance, Tai Chi and Golden Shield Qi Gong. Reiki attunement levels one through four are offered periodically, and monthly classes/workshops provide additional learning opportunities in everything from color healing and herbalism, to priestessing and tarot.

Although healing services and most of the classes are open to men, another aspect of Keyes’ vision was to provide a resource where women could find exclusive community and support.

“I noticed several small groups of female friends supporting each other with healing and divination arts, and encouraging each other to find their feminine power. I wanted to make that experience available to Iowa City women on a wider scale,” Keyes said.

Monthly Goddess Gatherings, held on the evening of the full moon, provide a sacred space for friendships and camaraderie to flourish, Keyes said. These meetings are not bound to a specific tradition or faith, the focus of the event is to lay aside differences and celebrate the goddess within every woman.

Also for women, FeatherLuxe hair feathering events also give women a chance to bond. Keyes and Anderson provide this service periodically, including out of town parties. (FeatherLuxe parties can also include men, assuming their hair is long enough)

Keyes said she thinks that hair feathering is often misunderstood, and is more than just a cosmetic enhancement.

“The FeatherLuxe experience is an inward journey as well out as outward adornment. It’s not just about having feathers in your hair, it’s about sharing the ritual,” Keyes said.

Keyes added that because the center uses the original FeatherLuxe materials the product lasts much longer than those offered by competitors.

Despite these other services, Healing Services are still a vital part of ICHAC, and Keyes has added some innovative new techniques. She said the use of Distance Healing sends healing energy to recipients who are unable (because of location of circumstance) to be present at the center. According to Keyes, three certified Reiki practitioners work together to create a powerful impact.

Keyes said another service recently added is Integrated Lifestyle Transformation. This program is a series of seven two-hour sessions, with the first hour spent with Holistic Counselor Michelle Vorwald, and the second hour with Reiki Master Courtney Keyes. The sessions are based on the seven chakras and help renovate the client’s physical, spiritual and mental well being, Keyes said.

Keyes is pleased with the dramatic progress the center has made in such a short time. She said her clientele ranges from those who are interested in the spiritual aspects of the center, to more secular clients who want to try something different than Western medicine to solve their problems and improve their lives.

“The great thing about all the different classes and services we offer now is that there is something for just about everyone.” She adds that new topics are being explored every month in workshops and special events.

The next two events at the center include the June 25 Color Healing class with instructor Tara Mann; and the return of Goddess Day on July 16, featuring a variety of divination and healing arts, refreshments and more.

To register for classes and explore the complete list of services offered at the Iowa City Healing Arts Center visit ichealingarts.com, or send Keyes an email at orchidhealing@hotmail.com.