Sciatica is leg pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back. The sciatic nerve sits underneath a muscle called the piriformis, which is located beneath the glutes. When the piriformis muscle gets tight, it pinches the sciatic nerve, causing tingling and numbness down into the leg. A Massage Therapist can help eliminate the pain by applying pressure to irritated and inflamed areas, or trigger points, in the piriformis muscle, as well as in muscles in the lower back and glutes. Moving is usually the last thing people want to do when they have sciatica pain, but it’s important to be physically active. Exercise increases blood flow to the disk and the nerve, helping to get rid of the chemicals causing the inflammation. Take 15- to 20-minute walks. If that hurts too much, give swimming or water aerobics a try; there’s not as much pressure on the back when you’re in the water.

The foot is a complex structure composed of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They bear and propel the weight of the body during walking and running, and help to maintain balance during changes in body position. It is not surprising that at some point you may experience foot pain. The cause of most foot pain are shoes that do not fit properly. High-heeled shoes can create problems in the toes and the balls of the feet. Wearing flip-flops or shoes with no support can also create foot pain. Plantar fasciitis can be a result of overuse of high-impact exercise and sports and poorly fitting shoes. Besides supportive footwear and getting insoles and orthotics when needed, a Foot Reflexology session can help. Taking good care of the feet, through regular reflexology treatments, exercise, proper footwear, foot care, and hygiene will contribute to keeping the foot strong and healthy.

Remember, when you were a child, colouring and painting and singing and dancing? You didn’t care if you were good at it. You enjoyed it and that was all that mattered! As an adult, do you still express yourself through art? Creating art has real benefits for wellness, no matter what your age. It relieves stress, encourages mindfulness, provides a venue for self-expression and teaches us to let go of perfectionism and self-criticism. Creative hobbies offer so much more than the distraction we get from watching TV or browsing the Internet. They provide interest, leisure, focus, practice, confidence, growth and a respite from our daily grind. But for many people, the doors of art and creativity are closed at a young age, due to self-criticism, lack of opportunities or lack of understanding about the benefits art provides. The good news is that anyone can learn, at any age—it’s never too late. No experience required!

Shamanic practices have always been a part of our human existence. Though they were once shunned, our world is now opening up to this ancient practice once again. Your local shaman dedicates their life to the well-being of the family, community, and all creations and does so through the ceremony, dance and healing methods passed down from their ancestors. The term “shaman” has recently been generalized throughout western society, and we now find it difficult to differentiate between western and eastern shamanic practices. However, regardless of the origin of the shaman, they all share a mutual respect and connection with nature. This commune with nature is the foundation of their spiritual practice, and it allows them to create internal and external harmony with all “creations” and “relations.”