Diane Hynes

Diane Hynes is the owner of Hope Wellness, a Therapeutic Bodyworker, Instructor and Herbalist. The focus is to gently guide and support each individual with compassion and care, believing the body has an innate ability to restore and recuperate when blocks are removed. We can have a better quality of life and overall well-being.

Diane is a NJ Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT, CHMLDT, ATC). She currently has a private practice in Hope, NJ, instructs various classes at the International School of Shiatsu, provides bodywork, Qi Gong and Fascia/Meridian stretching classes, and lectures locally, nationally, internationally, and online.

What initially drew you to natural medicine and herbal studies?

I loved my grandfather's garden! My mother told me I would eat all his vegetables as a young child. I loved the plants and would eat the weeds! When I went to college, I became part of the “Alternative Energy Center”, where we grew vegetables and herbs, and taught gardening and recycling. So I studied, and I started a gardening class for children. After moving into a house with friends where we grew a large vegetable garden, I started the herb garden and interplanting. Then my mother became ill with pneumonia. By the third time she was put on antibiotics I knew we had to do something different to help her heal; I brought herbal teas and tinctures. The herbs helped her turn the corner so she could fully recover her strength, and I was impressed! I continued to read, learn about, and use herbs in my daily life.

What health care modalities does your practice include?

My practice includes Shiatsu-Shintai, Craniosacral therapy, Mayan Abdominal massage, Spiritual bathing, Myofascial release, Lymphatic drainage, Graston/FAKTR techniques, cupping, Prenatal/Postnatal massage, Chakra clearing, Reflexology, Breathing techniques, QiGong, and Fascia movement exercises, herbal formulas, lifestyle and nutritional guidance.

I learned early on there is not just one way, not one technique or ‘thing’ that shifts the person and energy in the body. Sometimes deep pressure is perfect, other times it’s light touch, a cathartic cry, or herbal support that will assist one in their health and life. People usually come to me for bodywork sessions first. I start with touch and lifestyle suggestions or nutritional changes, shifting habits, adding herbs. It's mostly a combination!

How did you find David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies? And how has his training impacted your work?

In the early 1990’s while I was teaching at the International School of Shiatsu, I met Kerry Adams. I lived and practiced in Newark, NJ and would refer people to Kerry that needed assistance from a knowledgeable herbalist, more than I could offer at the time. I used herbal remedies and poultices already, and was studying Chinese medicine. I attended some weekend herbal classes when I could with various instructors. It was too brief for me, and I knew I needed to learn more. After studying bodywork and macrobiotics, I kept going back to the desire to have an in-depth herbal training.

Kerry told me about DW’s school. I wanted to take David’s training in person but at the time, life had different ideas, so it was on hold for 15 years! When I moved out to the Blairstown area I thought, “now”, since I was 30 minutes from the school! My studies increased my confidence in recommending herbs and empowered me to pass on the information more clearly to my clients.

I have to say, at first I was nervous and was more cautious with herbs. As we progressed, David’s teachings, stories, assignments, and class experience gave me confidence. David’s depth of herbal knowledge is astounding! He often said something similar to what I learned in shiatsu school, “We treat the person, not the illness!” This resonated completely with my bodywork practice. David and his wonderful instructors offered me a wealth of information. I feel the ready-made formulas are fantastic but now having the ability to make specific formulas has assisted my clients health tremendously, therefore my practice. And I love that my fellow herbalists are always there to support and assist me if needed.