CREATED TO BRING HEALTHY RITUALS, SOLO OR SOCIAL, TO LAWRENCE, KS

SELF CARE THAT’S UNLIKE ANY YOU’VE EXPERIENCED

Mud & Lotus is a calming sanctuary hidden amongst the backdrop of downtown Lawrence, Kansas.

Our mission is passionately committed to fostering community well-being, offering accessible and affordable self-care practices designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.

Founded by Shahida Spann Ryan, the center merges holistic health care with the rejuvenating experiences of a soaking tub and sauna garden, and a range of spa treatments, drawing inspiration from her extensive background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a deep appreciation for holistic healing practices.

Close-up of lily pads floating on water with reflections of leaves and bubbles on the surface.
A shirtless man looking out from a cedar hot tub, surrounded by wooden panels.

WHAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY

Mud & Lotus distinguishes itself by offering a unique blend of luxury self-care and community wellness. It combines affordable, holistic health practices with the indulgent experiences of a soaking tub and sauna zen garden, set in a tranquil, urban sanctuary. We use all natural/organic and holistic ingredients in our offerings, and always have your health in mind.

Person sitting in a wooden hot tub with steam rising.
Two women enjoying drinks in a wooden hot tub, wearing swimsuits and glasses, with wooden beams and curtains in the background.

Discover What Awaits You:

Wooden gazebo with curtains in a small outdoor patio with a bench, wooden fence, stairs, and stone pathway.
Mural on a wall featuring a pond with lotus flowers, surrounded by green trees and plants, with a pink floral pattern on the sides.
Acupuncturist performing therapy on a woman lying on a treatment table, with acupuncture supplies in the background, in a calm, decorated room.
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ABOUT YOUR HOST —

Mud & Lotus, envisioned by Shahida (Shannon) Spann Ryan of Lawrence Acupuncture, reflects her journey from Kansas to the Pacific Northwest and back, fueled by her love for herbal medicine, adventure, and hot springs.

Her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine enriches her mission to introduce holistic health care and the cherished hot spring experiences from her Pacific Northwest adventures to the Lawrence community.

Shahida's expertise includes a Certificate in Sports and Orthopedic Medicine, specialized training in Pediatrics, Pelvic Floor Conditions, Perinatal and Post partum Care, Fertility, and Western Herbalism from the Northwest School of Botanical Studies. She is a holds a 500 hr. Qi Gong Teacher Training Certificate from Zen Wellness and has studied and teaches mythosomatic Qi Gong as well.

She is the only board certified reproductive expert in Kansas through the Acupuncture and TCM Board for Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).

Shahida has undergone her own healing journey, starting with severe cystic acne in her early teens. She has recovered from depression, alcoholism and addiction, and has received emotional, physical, and spiritual healing from plant medicines, somatic practices, acupuncture, and a whole foods diet. Her personal experience along with extensive clinical and professional training ignites a passionate belief that our quantum biology has the power to heal many health conditions, ranging from common to rare conditions, when given the right stimuli that we need.

As an avid "herb nerd," she's passionate about holistic health, enjoying nature, family adventures, being a mother of three beautiful children and sharing the transformative power of holistic medicine.

✷ Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine

✷ Licensed Acupuncturist * Fertility Specialist

✷ Qi Gong Instructor *Professional Herbalist

✷ Board Certified Fertility Specialist with ABORM

Specializes in Hormone Balancing, Fertility and Pregnancy Care, Weight Loss, Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling, and Orthopedic and Pain Conditions

Shahida is now seeing patients at our new acupuncture clinic location at 1246 Haskell Ave. in Lawrence KS. She is available to teach Qi Gong, speak on a variety of topics, give Gua Sha tutorials for wellness events and retreats and more. Please reach out!

Group of people posing outside a building with "Lawrence Acupuncture" sign, some with tattoos, outdoors on a sunny day.

Meet Our Expert Team

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Maya Gaith

I am a Lawrence native, and I graduated from the National Holistic Institute in 2010 as a Certified Massage Therapist, Health Educator, and Reiki II practitioner. I enjoyed training in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Trigger point, Reflexology, polarity hold Chakra Clearing.

In a Therapeutic massage session, I love to incorporate techniques to suit the client's needs, weaving an overall nourishing experience. The power of healing touch follows the clients breath, and pressure is responsive to the client's body and needs. Bringing the body back to a homeostatic wave after major stresses and accidents is possible. My goal is to provide a safe space to unwind, and I do this by bringing my awareness of the body to yours.

When not at Mud and Lotus I enjoy growing food and herbs, and attending to her two children.

“Maya has amazing energy and was so in tune with what my body needed. I rate her a 10 for sure!”

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“Maya was amazing and a true professional. She listened as I explained all my symptoms and dove straight in with empathy and skill. I highly recommend Maya, and look forward to my next appointment with her!”

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Cara Schuster

I began my journey as a massage therapist after graduating from The White River School of Massage in the Ozark mountains in 2005. My approach is to treat each session as a ritual, by creating space and time to help my clients come back into their bodies. I specialize in restorative experiences which simultaneously ease tension and transform the mind through a wide combination of modalities. I view therapeutic massage as an ancient form of body, mind and spirit therapy, which we can refer back to time and time again.

I became certified in cupping therapy in 2018 through the International Cupping Association. I find fire cupping a beautiful medium to weave medicinal herbal oils with the element of fire to create profound results.

I hold certifications in both the practice of end-of-life care and transformational travel guidance. My aim is to guide clients through finding joy and meaning in all stages of life, advocating for sustainable and meaningful end-of-life choices, and helping you discover the power of transformative travel experiences. I am a member of the Transformational Travel Council and National Home Funeral Alliance.

In my free time you will find me mixing herbal concoctions and elixirs, spending time with my beekeeper husband in our urban acre bee yard and gardens, vending our honey and hive-based skincare products at local markets, reading historical fiction, and receiving the therapeutic benefits of sauna every chance I get.

“I felt very loved and cared for! It was a really holistically wonderful experience!”

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“Cara the massage therapist was wonderful and made me feel like a million dollars!”

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Hannah Mason

My name is Hannah Mason, I have 3 years of massage experience, with an Associate Degree through Wellspring School of Allied Health.

I specialize in Cupping, Deep Tissue, and Integrative Massage. I have a deep passion for making my table as accessible to all, with mindfulness to those of all backgrounds. I really LOVE getting into the stubborn knots with deep pressure always have suggestions for post-massage care.

“Just a wonderful therapist that takes her time and is happy to talk through the whole process.”

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“Hannah was phenomenal and did such a great job! I left feeling so relaxed and like a new person.”

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“Hannah for the win! Especially for deep tissue. Also did some cupping that really helped.”

Lana Maree Hass

I am a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, a level 2 reiki practitioner and a transformational sound healing therapist where I offer, The Song of Your Soul Sessions, that incorporate singing bowls and vocalization as well as other instruments. find out more at: thesacredlisteningroom.com

I received thai yoga therapy and massage training and certification at Spirit Winds School of Thai Massage in 2011 in Nevada City, California. I was mentored for 3 plus years in bodywork and massage with Joy DeMaranville at Southwind Health Collective in Lawrence, KS. I have studied reiki, bioEnergy work, access bars and craniosacral therapy as well as channeling.

I have lived in Lawrence since 1987. In my spare time I love hanging out with my dogs, my friends and family and performing with local musician friends in two bands, Star Sister Revival and The Society for Sacred Listening.

“Lana’s technique is reassuring, knowing and utterly awesome! I feel better for days after she works on me.”

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“I feel great! My lower back and left hip haven’t been this limber in years! I am walking with a new spring in my step!”

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“I have not had any stomach pain and do feel like I have a new body! I feel like my session with Lana was a major catalyst in my healing process and I am eternally grateful. I would recommend Lana's healing work to anyone and everyone.”

Smiling person with long brown hair and a tattoo on the shoulder, standing in front of a colorful painted wall.
A person with brown hair smiling, wearing a dark shirt, standing outside near a sign that reads "Lawrence Acupuncture."
Person playing crystal singing bowls with a background tapestry of a tree and gongs.

Brianda Rosales

I believe in the power of healing through touch and connection with each client while I accompany them through their journey of healing. I specialize in deep tissue massage and have been practicing for 8 years. I graduated from Pinnacle Career Institute in 2016 where I learned the art of massage therapy. Each massage that is presented to me is customized for that persons specific needs.

I strive on self care and self love as those two things are the most important to me. While I’m not practicing you can find me hanging with my dog or reading a good book.

“One of the best massages I have ever had.”

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“I felt very loved and cared for! It was a really holistically wonderful experience!”

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“Bri was kind and provided an excellent massage. She also gave me some suggestions to help me consider ways to improve the he healing of a knee I injured this summer.”

“Comfortable environment and the massage with Darla was incredible.”

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“We had such an amazing and relaxing time! Will definitely be back!

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“Good pre-appointment communication, lovely setting, nice drink options, nice and informative front desk person, GREAT body work!

“Comfortable environment and the massage with Darla was incredible.”

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“We had such an amazing and relaxing time! Will definitely be back!

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“It was a very clean, calming atmosphere and I immediately felt comfortable. The master reiki healer was amazing and I plan to come back again”

Darla Hopper

As a licensed massage therapist, I take great pride in the work I do to help my clients achieve optimal health and wellness. I completed my massage therapy training at Heritage College and Institute in 2005, where I earned an Associate of Occupational Studies degree.

In practice, I adopt a highly personalized approach, carefully listening to each client's needs and concerns so I can customize the massage therapy session accordingly. My goal is to understand the client's specific therapeutic goals, whether that involves pain relief, stress reduction, or overall relaxation, and then apply the appropriate healing modalities to address those needs.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the positive transformation in my clients after a session. There is nothing more gratifying than witnessing a client leave looking and feeling rejuvenated, with a sense of ease and contentment that was absent when they first arrived. Helping people achieve this level of restoration through the power of therapeutic touch is my passion and what drives me to continually expand my knowledge and skills as a massage therapist.

Monica Fowler

With over two decades of experience in the healing profession, I began my journey after graduating from massage school in 1997.  Born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming, I moved to Topeka in 2009 with my two sons.  My career has included work in elder care and at a psychiatric residency center. 

In 2020, I had the opportunity to further my skills, earning a certificate as an Integrated Process Technique Facilitator. I also, learned Sound Healing from Angelica Roth, M.P. ;Reiki Master Teacher and completed Okuden level 2 Usui/Holy Fire World Peace Reiki.

My passion lies in helping people on their healing journeys, integrating various techniques to support mind, body and spirit wellness. 

**Monica offers a 90 Min Sound/Energy healing session at Mud & Lotus and is available on an as needed basis - if you are feeling called to work with her please give us a call at 785-371-1141 and let us know your availability!

Our fabulous managers!

April Sweany & Naomi Williams

Two women smiling, standing in front of a wooden background, both wearing black shirts. One woman with glasses has tattoos on her arm.

“Loved the vibe of the whole place, the scents, the coziness, very clean, staff was attentive and friendly. The outdoor space is very unique, private, and soooo relaxing!”

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“The staff is very friendly and always helpful. Wonderful experience every time I go!”

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“Mud & Lotus is a unique, relaxing environment that makes me feel welcome, important, and included.”

“We've been multiple times. It's just so relaxing and fun. A little getaway in town.”

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“M&L is the best!! Super peaceful and an easy day trip from KC. Worth the drive at least once a month.”

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“Just a perfect experience all around! Anna was wonderful greeting us and showing us around our space. The tub was perfect and the sauna was a great ending.”