meet Karen hand    

the epiphany

After spending nearly 20 years working on Wall Street, meeting the stresses of city life and managing tens of billions of dollars as a municipal money market trading desk manager, I learned what impact stress and the environment can take on each and every one of us. Despite my successful time in the world of finance and the enjoyment of living the duality of city and country life, I felt compelled to make a change. 

As these thoughts of change came with more and more frequency, I experienced a health setback. This wouldn’t be the first time that a jolt to my physical health became an opportunity for transformation! Seemingly out of nowhere, I threw out my back and searched desperately for relief. When other remedies were unsuccessful, I tried acupuncture for the first time. When my pain was eliminated in what turned out to be my first ever treatment, I experienced what I can only describe as an "epiphany of purpose." 

I listened to my inner calling, spent a year preparing academically for my transition, retired from Wall Street, and went back to school to study Eastern medicine and immerse myself in the teachings of this several thousand year-old medical system. Within weeks of obtaining my master's degree and ready to begin my second career, I was thrilled to discover I was about to begin a THIRD career-- I was pregnant, at 43, with my daughter, Grace!

Wall street to well street

This “Wall Street to Well Street” journey was not without its ups and downs. Inspired and passionate about sharing this ancient wisdom to help others transform their lives and reclaim their bodies' health, I found myself experiencing the fatigue, overwhelm and inherent stress that comes with owning a new business, being a new parent--magnified by the fact that I was not a young, new mom and that I was also a single mom! My newfound purpose and experiences as a healer, holistic business owner and mom gave me the tools to be in balance and to be as optimally well as possible, yet my desire to give my energy out to my daughter and my patients first before taking care of myself took its toll. It’s a noble strategy to do it all, but not an effective one.

It was time to gain understanding into what worked for me and what other strategies might be more effective for others. I recognized that there was no magic pill, no one-size-fits-all. Keeping this in mind I began to develop a system that utilized the Five Element Framework I had studied but that could be understood through a modern lens. My Five Pillars of Radical Self-Empowerment and my bespoke system of healing was born. With it I could guide women like myself who were looking to reclaim their health and their purpose!

“ I describe Karen as an angelic guide... When going through her energetic healing program, she never told me what to do, and instead gave me the space, tools, and resources to figure it out on my own.  I have a new love for myself I've never had before, navigating my life with courage, confidence, and authenticity.”

Crissy Freeman, From Mrs. to ME podcast host

Karen worked remotely on my 3 year old lab, Luna, after she broke her toe. With just one treatment, the vet told us Luna's healing time shortened from six to eight weeks to just four! I highly recommend Karen’s energy healing. She is very gifted, Luna and I are so grateful for the healing.

Heather Hummel Gallagher, award-winning novelist of  Call It Kismet (and several other novels) 

Karen calmed my fears about the whole "needles" thing the moment I walked into her beautiful office. The treatment was so relaxing. When I got off the table I felt like a kid again. I wish I had found Karen years ago--it would have saved a lot of pain and suffering and would have improved my life tenfold!
Patty Connelly, Patty Connelly Photography

Karen’s healing energy and commitment towards finding what works best for each individual who seeks her help is commendable.  Karen was able to aid in easing my chronic pain from agonizing spinal fractures and all of the other unpleasant symptoms that accompanied it.  I will be forever grateful to this woman who has the heart of an angel.  I owe my continuing good health to her natural healing ways, her insights, and deep spiritual understanding of the whole picture.

Suzanne Timerman, Retired professional athlete/multi-sport coach 

the road ahead

I feel blessed that my expertise and knowledge of a hands on, ancient healing system has been enhanced by my “first hand” knowledge of living through these challenges. My experiences informed my view of how to bring this system of radical self-care to more women and that became my why. Sharing this wisdom with those who had gone through similar circumstances would lead to their being less dependent on outside sources--starting with what's available to us now and what's within our power to change. And those two things are abundant... because the notion of prevention is at the heart of it all. As the ancient Chinese proverb states: Don't wait until you're thirsty to dig a well. That sums up the idea of prevention and my system of healing perfectly.

We all continue to be works-in-progress and at times struggle with the pitfalls of not always remembering that self-care is far from selfish and is instead vital, It's important to take to heart Eleanor Brownn's words that we “cannot serve from an empty vessel.”  I will always strive to bring the best tools and natural solutions to those of you who share these same struggles. By incorporating these healing modalities and nature's wisdom into our lives, we can truly show up as our next level self, and ultimately, as the best version of ourselves.

Together we can reclaim our inner and outer wellness and bring prosperity, play and possibility back into our lives. We can then ripple that forward and make our positive impact felt. I hope you'll  join me on this magical and transformative wellness journey. So much love. xo Karen

I'm passionate about guiding women to reclaim their health and their purpose and to become well beyond well

If you are looking for natural alternatives to feel more empowered in your health and your life. I would love to help guide you to the path that feels best to you. If you're ready to make some changes, let's pull out the roadmap!


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Let's connect on Instagram  @Karen_Hand_EssentialThyming
@Karen_Hand_EssentialThyming