Essential oils are simply organic compounds extracted from plants with tremendous healing properties. Using essential oils for healing purposes is called aromatherapy, which seeks to improve physical, mental and emotional health. Essential oils can be used to help treat a wide range of conditions, including colds, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. These oils are extracted from flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, fruit and twigs. By concentrating the oils of these plants you are literally separating the most powerful healing compounds of a plant into a single, multi-purpose oil. Essential oils are a natural and safe way to improve your health, cure ailments, and soothe your body and mind. There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing property. Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rose, Oregano, Frankincense, Cypress, Ginger, Sandalwood – Just to name a few!
Community News
Stop Toxic Skin Care Products
There is a lot of information regarding toxic ingredients in skin care and cosmetic lines that we purchase. At times, I feel like no matter what brand I purchase, I am taking a risk. There are key words that we are aware of; additives like parabens, sulfates, toluene, and formaldehyde are only a few of the chemicals that manufacturers use to create everyday items. What people do not realize is that these toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors; they can mimic estrogen and possibly contribute to breast cancers. Causemetics has brought together eleven of Canada’s natural and non-toxic companies to produce a line that is safe and high quality. An automatic donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund is made when you purchase Causemetics.
The Unexpected Gift
www.theunexpectedgift.ca
The Home Advantage
Most of us enjoy the surroundings of our own home, and seniors are no exception. Moving into Assisted Living has its benefits, but can be an expensive and unwelcome change. There is help available, but many find that existing home care services are limited in their ability to assist. A ride to an appointment, help with groceries, and tackling yard work could result in 3 different people in & out of the home. It can be difficult to fill all these needs. Often, homeowners prefer full service from a familiar face. Staying at home can allow continued access to economic and social benefits within the community.
Done & Done Family Concierge Service
www.doneanddone.ca
Why All-Natural Bug Spray?
As the summer months are now upon us – so is bug season! Between the mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other biting insects this can hinder summer fun. Not only are insect bites itchy and unpleasant, but the insects that bite us may carry harmful viruses. Now, this may want to make you bathe in a chemical-based bug repellent, but that has negative drawbacks as well. Using an all-natural bug spray is a safe alternative. In order for a spray to be truly “All Natural”, it should be safe to inhale and consume! If you can do this with your all natural bug spray, you know it will be safe for young children, pets and the whole family! Enjoy your summer fun bug free, in the safest way possible!
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle treatment approach that may help a variety of conditions including: chronic neck and back pain, migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety and depression. (CST) treatment involves touch, as light as the weight of a nickel, on areas of the head, neck, and base of the spine. The practitioner is able to “listen” to subtle rhythmic patterns in the soft tissues and fluids surrounding the central nervous system. By gently supporting and holding the techniques for many minutes, the therapist is able to facilitate the body’s own healing powers to release holding patterns and tension in the body. The client will often feel a sense of deep relaxation as the muscles and organs unwind and the bones of the head and spine subtly realign.
Sharon Dyck, Action Physiotherapy & Wellness Clinic
www.actionphysio.net
Health Spotlight: Dr. Eduardo Barreto
Dr. Eduardo Barreto specializes as a Natural Health Consultant. With over 15 years’ experience he has made a difference in so many clients’ lives for their overall wellness. Of Colombian origin, he worked in the modalities of Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Neural Therapy, Nutrition and exercise. He operates through an Integral Approach that involves the healing of the mind, body and spirit. Based on his vast arena of knowledge and experience, he helps with headaches, migraines, body pain and injuries, sleep problems and anxiety among other common health conditions. Through an understanding of how your body chemistry works in combination with the modalities he offer, your body will change and achieve optimal wellness!
Nature Doctors, www.thenaturedoctors.ca
Planting Qualities?
What qualities are you planting in your garden this summer? What are your deepest desires and pleasures to create and make happen? How about more play, ease, connection, creativity and a lightness of being? Summertime creates a rich nurturing soil to plant and grow the parts of you that are ready to bloom. Getting clear on the qualities you want to plant, how often to water, feed and nurture
yourself creates the perfect environment that allows all of you to blossom. Before you get started…be mindful of your garden’s foundation; what needs tilling, weeding and replenishing, how much sunshine and shade is required to grow yourself. Be wise as to who to enlist that can support and encourage you to shine.
D’Arcy Bruning-Haid, M.A. Counselling
www.souls-journey.com
Companion Animal Reiki
Reiki is a hands-on healing system originating in 1800’s Japan. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique used to balance one’s body, mind and spirit. Some may not realize its benefits for animals. Animals are far more sensitive than we can imagine. As an Animal Reiki Master and Communicator of ten years, I can tell you that most animals feel that it is their duty to carry the stresses of their people. Reiki dispels bottled negative energies that if left untreated, often manifest into physical dis-eases. Reiki is highly beneficial for introducing shelter-adopted animals into new homes, or helping to introduce newly homed animals to current animal residents. Additional benefits of Animal Reiki include: a decrease in anxiety, obesity, lethargy, depression, an acceleration in healing time from wounds, and a strong sense of peace among a great many others.
Jill Saifer, Soulstice Spirit Healing
www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com
Book Club: The Awakened Introvert
Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World by Arnie Kozak.
In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?
Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and “awaken” your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.
www.newharbinger.com/awakened-introvert
Clean Eating: Spicy Hummus
Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1tsp sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processor.
Blend until paste.
Add 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas.
Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ cup water to desired consistency.
Garish with paprika.
Enjoy!
The Unexpected Gift
As a cancer survivor, I understand how difficult the experience can be. First, you are dealing with a devastating diagnosis and the uncertainty of what the future may hold. On top of all the doctor appointments, there is the challenge to find products and services that are safe. For women, hair loss may occur and one might want a wig or a scarf to wear. During radiation, one’s skin may become hypersensitive; soothing skin care is required, but you don’t know where to find it. Visiting a number of places to find what you need is a struggle. Opening at the end of June, there will be a compassionate and convenient location, a one-stop shop, to find all your needs. From specific skin care lines created for cancer patients, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic cosmetic and nail care lines, wigs, prosthetics, and mastectomy clothing lines, safe aesthetics, massage, lymphatic drainage, and other supportive programs.
Tara Torchia-Wells
www.theunexpectedgift.ca
