For the past few months, well-being seems to have settled in our valley.
Karine is one of those professionals who, in addition to finding meaning in their work, want to bring physical, emotional and mental well-being to their clients.
She is now based in Dieffenbach-au-Val and offers appointments there.
Karine draws inspiration from her personal journey to offer unique and personalized care that allows people to reconnect with themselves, confront their wounds, and heal them.
To use Karine's words and to help you better understand what she is proposing, we went to experience it and share it with her.
Who better than the practitioner to explain her profession, which seems to be much more than just a job and is closer to a passion?
Meeting with Karine Schirm – Intuitive support through massage, energy healing and conscious coaching.
Hello Karine,
Could you please start by introducing yourself?
Karine Schirm – I live in Dieffenbach-au-Val, I am 50 years old, I am in a relationship –
I am Alsatian with German roots through my father's family.
I am now going to ask you THE question, THAT question that all our readers have been waiting for…
Are you from the Villé valley?
And if not, where are you from?
I am not originally from the Villé valley, no, I am from the Haut-Rhin.
I spent my childhood in the Masevaux valley, at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, then I settled in the 3 borders region (near Saint-Louis and surroundings) and finally in Altkirch which was my last place of residence before Dieffenbach-au-Val where I have lived since the end of 2020.
I read a lot of your presentation on your website and I thought the best way to really understand your profession and your offer was to come and meet you.
I confess that even today, if someone asks me what your profession is, I am not able to name it.
Can you tell us more and put words to your professional world?
It's true that when you have a somewhat atypical career path and profession, it's a little difficult to find a precise label for it (LOL)
And I don't really like being put in a "box".
The term that resonates most with me is that of escort.
For me, it's not just about applying the practices I've been trained in.
I make them my own so that they resemble me and I create a warm and safe environment to support my clients.
Whether it's for a massage, an energy treatment, a conscious coaching session or a little bit of everything, there is always a before and an after, a transformation takes place.
Holistic support takes into account all aspects of being: physical, emotional, and mental. My sensitivity gives me access to more subtle feelings and my uniqueness allows me to support each person in a unique way by placing this particularity at the heart of my support.
How did you come to go down this path?
Awareness? A need for change?
Personally, I think things are "written" and that when we are destined to do something in particular, one way or another our path will lead us to what we are truly made for.
Looking back, I realize that I have been on this path since my childhood and that I have always accompanied people, helping them to move from one state to another or even to overcome life stages.
As I personally evolve, I myself take steps on my journey.
There was a first acceleration in 2012 and a second in 2021, it was at this time that I created Oasis bien-être by Karine. I couldn't say if there was a particular realization: it presented itself as obvious.
In any case, it is undeniable that I needed to give meaning to my life.
How long have you actually been practicing?
As I said before, I think I can say that I have been practicing since I was very young, I have always been involved in raising awareness but in different settings and professions: within my family, in the different companies where I have been able to work.
I remember the director of a company I worked for for 16 years telling me that I was his mediator when there were some rather heated discussions during our department meetings.
And in my last position, colleagues would come to me for advice on essential oils according to their needs, on energy healing; I listened to them and had wonderful personal conversations even with clients. I was already supporting them.
Finally, creating my own business in 2021 is the culmination of what I have been doing for a long time.
How did your family and friends react?
I mean, how do the people close to you see this professional adventure? Do they find you more fulfilled?
I am fortunate to have full support and everyone I have told about the creation of my business has encouraged me and told me that I am made for this.
It would seem that others sometimes see things more clearly than we do, before we do (LOL)
Ah yes, I'm clearly happier and apparently it shows: when I'm in my element, I'm inexhaustible... but I'm working on it (LOL)
And you? What does this new life bring you?
A great deal of freedom!
In particular, the freedom to be fully who I am, with all the sensitivity that characterizes me and that allows me to support others, in my own way.
I no longer have to "hide" my uniqueness to try to fit into the limiting molds created by society: I can live it fully.
I can cultivate this difference which is my strength and being able to live like this is, in my opinion, a priceless gift.
Does helping people help you yourself and bring you some kind of happiness?
I have already asked this question to other wellness practitioners we have met for our blog, but it seems important and quite representative of your professions because they often share the same idea.
Ah yes, definitely!
I have done a deep work on myself and being able to now help others allows me to continue to evolve in parallel, to expand.
Everything I fix for myself gives me more opportunities to help others: it's an unlimited virtuous circle.
It is said that when you offer a rose, a little of its perfume remains on the hand that gives it: in my profession it is the same thing: I receive at least as much as I give during a session.
It is an indescribable happiness: I believe that fullness is the word that best describes this indescribable feeling.
What part of your job do you prefer?
I love everything!
As you said in the introduction and you understood it perfectly (LOL), my job is a true passion, which nourishes my whole being. I think that being able to express my creative side by making "tailor-made" products for each client is what I enjoy the most. I truly experience my profession as a form of art: the art that allows each person to recognize the jewel that they are.
Karine, we're going to change the subject a little and talk about your life in the Villé valley.
Outside of your work, do you have any passions that you pursue here?
I am fortunate to live in a privileged setting which allows me to express other passions: in particular for gemmotherapy (treatment with plant buds) and I can therefore carry out my own harvests to create therapeutic bud macerates.
I am also passionate about minerals, creating intuitive and personalized bracelets.
I know, it may seem to relate to work, but for me it is a way of life that is intimately linked to what I can bring to others: that's how I live to pass on what I learn.
It is really this living environment in the Valley that is conducive to all of this.
I am truly in love with Nature and animals.
But rest assured, I also allow myself moments to "switch off", to cultivate my secret garden, the one where I need to spend time to recharge and enjoy life.
If you had to choose just one place in the valley, which would it be?
My home because it reminds me of my childhood.
We are in contact with nature, surrounded by simple and kind neighbors, we have a view of Saint-Gilles in the distance, all of this reconnects me to my roots, to my maternal grandmother with whom I was very close.
But if I had to name another place, it would be Saint-Gilles.
Do you have a particular memory associated with the valley that you would like to tell us about?
Yes: I remember very clearly being amazed by the beauty of the Valley the first time I came to visit my partner.
I had never been there before, or I had just passed through without really paying attention. It is thanks to Love that I discovered this beautiful valley and settled here, it's so beautiful, isn't it?
Decibulles or Decibulles?
Uh, no comment!
No, sorry, but not Decibulles: I have a bit of trouble with gatherings where there are a lot of people and the noise level is high. Since I can't enjoy those kinds of events, I don't go.
Yoga or running session?
Yoga without hesitation: I believe there isn't a day that goes by without yoga making an appearance in one way or another! I also practice Qi Gong and meditation on my own.
Since last spring, I've been mountain biking (electric) with my partner and I love these nature outings which do me a world of good!
Beer or white wine?
None, I don't drink alcohol
Knack or pretzel?
Pretzel, I'm a vegetarian, I don't eat animals.
The woman you admire?
Sister Emmanuelle.
I admire her for one specific reason: the joy she brought to the neighborhoods of Cairo. I felt at home in those neighborhoods.
The man you admire?
Nelson Mandela! For his wisdom despite everything he went through.
Karine, what is your favorite saying?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Karine, I'll let you have the last word!
The thank you box
I would just like to say thank you for allowing me to share who I am, to introduce my world to other people!
For me, thank you means many things, but it's a true thank you from the heart!