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
Whitethunder Empowerment Circles
Empowerment Circles are designed to guide you along your path with confidence. You relearn your strength, learn to balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Learn how to become mindful and compassionate within and around you. Reconnect to who you are, to nature spirits and your true purpose in life. Using guided meditation, Munay Ki Rites, sage teachings, and understand how changes in the universe affects us. Munay-Ki Rites are nine great rites of initiation of the medicine way. The word munay means “I love you as you are”. Nine gates that heal us and transform our human energy field. Our Rite of Passage encompasses more than healing. A rite of passage is a ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another.
Sharon Baldock, Whitethunder Empowerment Circles
www.sacredsourcemedicine.weebly.com
One Simple Change
Most of us strive to live a healthier lifestyle. Finding the right place to start is a challenge. Eating right, exercising regularly, and still making time for family, friends and our own needs can seem like overwhelming goals. Instead of attempting to conquer our health all at once, what if you started by setting more manageable goals? Making small changes today can lead to great health benefits down the road. #1 HEALTHY EATING: EAT MORE WHOLE FOODS. Don’t tackle a healthy diet all at once. Start by replacing empty calories with whole food options. Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. It won’t be long before you realize just how good “good food” feels. Before you know it, your cravings will change from greasy burgers and fries to healthful nutrition.
Sandy Lefley, Juice Plus
www.slefley.canada.juiceplus.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!
Hair Loss?
A receding hairline is one indication of male/female pattern baldness as well as a noticeably wider part. Thinning into the sides and crown of the head are signs of diffused thinning. Causes may be genetic, medical or environmental. Side effects of some medications and stress also play major parts in causes of hair loss. There may be more hair than usual in the shower, comb or hair brush. Average hair loss is 60-90 hairs per day. Early intervention and action is crucial in maintaining the current density of hair and slowing down existing hair loss. Some signs of scalp problems can include dryness, oiliness and itchiness. These are all indications of an unhealthy scalp environment. A scalp analysis is the best way to determine what is happening on the scalp and the proper treatment action to take.
www.citylooks.ca
Sports Massage
In today’s world of sports, athletes are always looking for a competitive edge. Banned substances are illegal and more often than not, result in the athlete being shamed, stripped of their medal or title and suspended or banned from their sport. But wait! There is a solution and it is totally legal. A pre-event and post-event sports massage may be just what the athlete is looking for. A pre-event massage is beneficial in preparing the athlete for his or her event and thus increasing performance and preventing injury. This is achieved by increasing circulation and blood supply to muscles and tendons resulting in more oxygen and nutrients to these tissues. The massage also stimulates proprioception which is instrumental in balance and agility. Likewise, a post-event massage speeds recovery time by stimulating muscles to relax, promoting drainage of lactic acid build-up and other metabolites and increasing circulation.
Derrick Hebb, RMT, Liquid Massage Therapy
Supplement Quality Important
The best way to ensure you receive more of what you need to stay healthy is through proper supplementation. Quality supplements can help maintain a healthy immune system. In the health food market there are many supplements from which to choose, and most people take them not knowing exactly what their body’s need. There is also a vast difference between high-quality supplements and those manufactured with lesser attention to ingredients, and which contain fillers. There is so much variety available in many different price ranges. All claim to provide health benefits. How do you know which products are good quality? Just as everyone has unique needs and requirements, each product offers different benefits. Make sure you ask a professional and make an informed decision.
Sandy Lefley, Juice Plus
www.slefley.canada.juiceplus.com
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
