CHELMSFORD -- Behind Elizabeth Barren is a menagerie of glass jars. From floor to ceiling, they hold more than 100 different herbs.

Barren, owner of Awakening Spirit at 12 Central Square, peruses her collection, like books in library stacks. One by one, she opens lids, pouring contents into a large wooden bowl -- chamomile, lemon verbena, catnip, damiana, lemon grass, roses, rosehips and lavender.

"This will calm you," she says, mixing her homemade concoction of "Love and Peace" tea.

Trained as a paramedic, Barren knows the science of the human body. But she also believes alternative methods of healing help guide to a better life.

She says her shop is a "healing space," with an emphasis on nurturing the balance between the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.

Q: What is spiritual healing?

A: It can involve talking, some body work, light touch -- it's about whatever issues a person wants to address, mental, emotional and channeling energy to clear the heart and mind. It's about striking a balance. The four components of mind, body, heart and spirit must be integrated for a person to live at their highest potential. The body intrinsically knows how to heal itself, but if the mind, spirit or heart are blocked, the body will start building its own blockades, which can manifest in the body as pain and illness -- like when you block a river, it gets stagnant and grows algae. I can touch people and feel where they're blocked and help them to release.

Q: What's your training?

A: I've been studying and practicing Buddhism for the better part of my life, and I was trained as a paramedic.

Q: How did you become interested in spiritual healing?

A: I became a paramedic and didn't fit in, in any sort of way. But all my patients felt better when they got to the hospital. I've always liked helping people and have an ability to know what people need. I recognize the pain and potential in the people I see.

Q: Do you get a lot of skeptics?

A: Some people come in and make fun of it. If somebody comes in to just prove that I'm wrong, it's probably not going to work out. The more open-minded you are when you come in, the more benefits you get from it.

Q: What is Reiki?

A: It's a Japanese word meaning "universal life-force energy." It's been used as a form of healing since theQ beginning of time. The laying on of hands is a term that refers to a healer who gently places their hands on a client to release any unwanted energies and replace them with universal love and acceptance. Just tapping into your own energy that is life and love opens channels for them to pass through (the healer's) hands, letting good energy in.

Q: Have you ever surprised anyone who was expecting nothing to happen?

A: There are times when people are on the (massage) table and they're resistant. When they start feeling something, they sometimes want to leave because they're afraid. It's normal for people to be afraid of what they don't understand. People have cried during the process because it can be very emotional. But they walk away feeling better, refreshed.

Q: You recommend natural herbs for healing and cleansing the body. Do you think they're as effective as prescription medicine?

A: Prescription drugs have only been around for 100 years. Herbs have been around since the beginning of time. It's survival of the fittest. Long before prescription drugs, people relied on remedies from their own backyards and guess what? We're still here. Different teas are medicinal. They have cleansing properties, can treat liver and kidney infections, or boost the immune system against colds, flu and other illnesses.

Q: What's the most common thing customers say to you?

A: I never told that to anyone before.

Q: How much does a healing session cost?

A: Rates vary depending on what service you're getting and on the practitioner. I charge $90 for an hour-and-a half session that includes talking and hands-on healing.

©2008 MyAwakeningSpirit.com - info@myawakeningspirit.com - (978) 250-1551- 12 Central Square, Chelmsford, MA