Shopkeeper puts store on universal map

By Jonathan Cook
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE - The universal energy just got a little brighter, thanks to the assemblage of mind, body, and spirit practitioners who’ve set up shop in the Plum Room at 425 Main St.
At the center of all these good vibes is shopkeeper Valerie Allard who says, “everything is starting to get rolling.”
From aroma therapy, to yoga, to angel readings, and almost everything in between, this 1880s building with soothing earth tones and calming aromas has surely become a hub for spiritual energy.
Not only can a person seeking to get in touch with their intuitive side get their Tarot cards read, they can learn to read them in classes that have been a success, but still have room for more students.
Stiff neck? How about a massage followed by a few sessions of yoga to keep things straight. Or perhaps a little qi is required. In that case the healing palms of a Reiki practitioner will do the trick.
To keep the qi, (pronounced chee), which is life-force, flowing strong there are sessions of QiGong as well.
Some of the vendors and practitioners involved in the Plum room include the folks from Earth Spirits, which spent 15 years located above TJ O’Brien’s. “Ear coning is a big thing,” Allard says, adding that it can be an effective treatment for Lyme disease.
“The stuff that goes on here is all about working with energy,” Allard explains.
But it’s also about local commerce, as Allard seeks local crafters and companies to provide merchandise. For example, once mankind has been in touch with serenity, man’s best friend deserves something that will bring contentment. Nothing does that for a canine like something to chew on, so the Plum Room carries Shoey Chewy rubber shoe soles made in North Brookfield by Quaboag Rubber.
Shawls are made by a local weaver who also holds free demonstrations. “There is a lot to learn,” says Allard.
What Allard brings, aside from an open mind, is a great sense of smell. She grows and dries her own herbs making formulas for sugar scrubs, anti-viral sprays, (great for flu season) and eye pillows. “For headaches and sleeping,” Allard says. “They also soothe children at bedtime.” Alternatively, a little lavender oil can be placed bedside for a relaxing night.
The store also features locally handcrafted jewelry and is always looking for more local arts and crafts to carry.
Each special item and service offered here is an access point for people who would like to “connect yourself inward,” Allard says. “Listening to your body will help your body heal itself,” she adds. “We’re all given the ability. It’s a matter of tapping into it.”
People are responding to the offerings, she says, because “everyone realizes that they have some intuitive ability, but it’s hard to trust what they’re getting. It takes confidence.”
At the Plum Room, anyone can get that any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Tuesday when the shop is closed.