Mind Spa | Western Michigan University

Sindecuse Health Center

Sand tray and miniature tools to tend a small japanese garden. — Welcome to the Mind Spa

at Sindecuse Health Center

The Mind Spa is a space designed to help Western Michigan University students develop and practice the relaxation skills that will enhance their academic productivity and their sense of well-being. Relaxation strategies are an integral part of treatment approaches to depression, anxiety, anger management, and sleep disorders, among other issues. Students will find a comfortable space and resources to develop or strengthen these skills. Please read our Mind Spa Agreement at the bottom of the page before using the rooms.

How to Access the Mind Spa

Enrolled WMU students may book a wellness activity online through the health center's patient portal. Come to the health center's Counseling and Psychiatric Services located on the upper level and let the receptionist know that you are scheduled for the Mind Spa. We'll sign you in and give you access to the spa. Be sure to read the guidelines below to understand how this shared space should be used.

Reserve a Mind Spa Session

Hours

The Mind Spa is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Features

View of the mind spa with soft furniture and dim lighting — The main Mind Spa space offers a variety of features that promote relaxation.

View of room with two massage chairs and artificial candles. — The massage chair room offers a soothing place to experience a massaging recliner.The main Mind Spa space offers a variety of features that promote relaxation.

Massage Chair #1

“Zero-gravity” massage chairs offer a gentle stretch and massage of the body. A 30-minute session elevates the feet and is gentle and quiet enough to be paired with mindfulness audio—a combination we recommend to help maximize the benefits of this experience.

Massage Chair 2

Similar to Massage Chair 1.

Yoga Stretch Station

Already have a yoga or meditation practice? Need a place to practice between classes? Take a few minutes to stop in and loosen up your body and mind.

Computer and desk with chair and tools for biofeedback activity.

Biofeedback Station

Biofeedback programs provide a graphic representation of how mental states affect the body. In biofeedback, one training strategy is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a skill that improves the ability to observe the mind’s activity in a way that reduces reactivity and anxiety. The biofeedback program measures Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a signal which changes as a person experiences stress and relaxation. Once a baseline signal is established it acts as a reference point for measuring attempts to deliberately affect the signal. Users may deliberately affect their responses by using specific training strategies.

A relaxing couch with sand tray and other soothing simple activities.

Relaxation Station 1

Enjoy a quiet time tending a sand garden with miniature tools from a comfy couch. Or turn the wheel to watch the natural and soothing effects of gravity on tiny sand particles.

A home-style soft massaging power-lift recliner

Relaxation Station 2

Sit in a relaxing soft massaging power-lift recliner and plug in soothing music for a refreshing break.

Light Therapy Box

When used correctly, a light therapy box which mimics natural outdoor light is one way to help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the winter blues. SAD is a condition associated with the lack of natural light during fall and winter months. Individuals with SAD may experience an increase in oversleeping, overeating, carbohydrate craving weight gain, fatigue, and social withdrawal. With regular exposure to light of sufficient intensity, mood may lighten and energy may increase. See below for more information.

Special Programming

Guidelines

Use of the Mind Spa indicates an agreement to abide by these guidelines:

Sign in/out – Please check in at the front desk before using this space. Upon checking out, we'll send you a brief survey to invite feedback and suggestions.

Quiet zone – Please silence your cell phone and keep noise and talking to a minimum to maintain a relaxing environment for all.

Keep it tidy – Please clean up after yourself and put items back where you found them. Do not remove items from this room. They are here for
everyone to enjoy.

No food or beverages – Please only enjoy water in this space. Please notify the Counseling desk of any spills.

Relax – This is not a study room. Please refrain from doing homework or using technology for work purposes here.