By Christine Fisher
MIDCOAST MAINE DRAWS people from around the world who want to explore the beautiful coastline where the mountains meet the ocean. It draws another kind of explorer too— the wellness explorer.
“There’s something about being here in Maine, and being on the coast especially, that’s restorative,” said Jesse Simko, president of Destination Wellness Midcoast Maine (DWMM).
DWMM was formed in 2013 to help make wellness a mainstay of life in Midcoast Maine. They currently have approximately 130 members consisting of integrative health and wellness practitioners such as acupuncturists, nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, yoga teachers, wellness coaches and more.
“Our goal is to be the Sedona, Arizona of New England so people will think of this area and think of coming here because it’s such a great place to live a healthy life,” said Meg Barclay, DWMM membership chair.
Whether you’re looking for a masseuse, a hotel or restaurant that will cater to your dietary needs or an outdoor adventure guide, DWMM can facilitate that connection.
Since its launch, DWMM has built an easily searchable database of wellness practitioners and businesses, including chiropractors, dance instructors, physical therapists, hypnotherapists, Qigong practitioners, restaurants, inns, co-ops, wilderness guides and more. All of these and more can be found on www.DestinationWellnessME.com.
The goal was to create what is essentially a virtual bulletin board where practitioners can list their services and people visiting or living in the area can find the wellness practitioners who are right for them.
In addition to practitioners, the website lists events like Nourishing Your Senses, a yoga weekend getaway on Monhegan Island; The Wisdom of the Heart, a yoga and meditation retreat in Brooks, ME; and health-focused library talks in Camden, Rockland and Belfast.
DWMM has also served as a way for wellness leaders to network and strengthen the area’s healing community. The Hawthorn Inn, for instance, works with other members to maximize wellness-based getaways. The Hawthorn brings in local massage therapists, collaborates with local nutrition counselors like Holly Noonan and offers free passes to High Mountain Hall, a fitness, dance and yoga studio in Camden. If guests want to experience another wellness modality, The Hawthorn Inn can arrange for that with the help of DWMM.
Just as the beauty of Midcoast Maine is what draws visitors, it also draws many of the integrative practitioners who make up DWMM. “This area is so beautiful,” says Barclay. “And I think a lot of people who are in the wellness field have that drive to be in a beautiful, natural place.”
