Warren Scott
SOMETHING NEW — Representatives of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, family and friends helped Alexis Moreland, owner of Cosmic Flow of Toronto and her staff to mark the opening of her new business with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
TORONTO — Alexis Moreland wants everyone who steps into Cosmic Flow, her new business in the city’s Gem City Plaza, to leave feeling better.
Moreland knows that whether their minds are focused on work, relationships or other concerns, many people don’t take time to truly relax.
“We’re often overstimulated. We don’t give ourselves time to recharge,” she said, adding that her goal is to remedy that through a variety of techniques and products.
That includes dry float therapy, in which a visitor lays on a hard surface lowered by a hydraulic system until it is replaced by a soft, water-filled mattress warmed to body temperature.
While laying in a dimly lit room, the visitor can choose soundproof headphones or relaxing music to help them attain a peaceful state.
In practice in the U.S. since the 1950s, float therapy often involves individuals being placed in a saltwater-filled sensory deprivation tank.
Its supporters say it helps to relieve tension and improve sleep.
But Moreland said she has taken a water-less approach to eliminate the need for clients to undress and shower and allows them to benefit from the experience during a shorter period of time.
“They can come during their lunch breaks and do 20 minutes,” she said.
Moreland said Cosmic Flow also offers the services of Christi Dempewolf, who practices reiki, another technique that is aimed at reducing tension.
Clients lay on a massage table but unlike massage, reiki involves the application of only a light touch intended to transfer energy from one person to another, she noted.
Recipients of the touch have said they feel heat, tingling, pulsing or nothing at all, but the ultimate goal is relaxation and about an hour normally is reserved for the sessions, said Moreland.
She added visitors to Cosmic Flow can engage in an elemental breathing session led by her mother, Toni.
Participants of the sessions are engaged in a pattern of breathing which, combined with music and meditation, is designed to help them to relieve stress.
Cosmic Flow offers classes in yoga, another long-time practice often pursued for mental wellness as well as body flexibility.
Taught by Alicia Troski and Annie Cutri, regular sessions are offered for beginners and those more experienced in yoga.
Moreland said regular sessions are posted on Cosmic Flow’s website and Facebook page. Appointments for sessions at a variety of hours can be made through the business’ app or by calling (740) 512-0958.
She said Cosmic Flow sells incense, oil burners, votive candles, jewelry and other items used for relaxation or to express spirituality or individuality. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Cosmic Flow is located at 1336 Franklin St., not far from state Route 7’s southern exit to Toronto.
(Scott can be contacted at [email protected].)
