There is an ever-increasing body of evidence that shows a direct link between our emotional health and physiological health. One vivid example I give to clients is to show them a series of before and after images from a live blood analysis relative to a one hour counseling appointment where I was tasked with describing traumas I experienced as a youngster. I recounted eight or nine. The live blood image following the appointment clearly showed changes in Red Blood Cell (RBC) arrangement. Rather than floating freely about in healthy singular functionality, they appeared to be magnetically clustered together. No wonder I felt weak and anxious. Agglutination (clustering) of the RBC’s logically indicated a dramatic decrease in their capacity for CO2 and O2 exchange. Topical application of a specific essential oil blend restored healthy RBC arrangement within minutes, and enabled me to regain emotional balance.

www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

Bio-Energy Healing is a contemporary adaptation of the ancient understanding that the body has the innate power to regenerate and heal itself. For thousands of years, healers in many different cultures have understood the vital role that energy plays in our health and wellbeing. They understood the energy centres in the body and how energy flows, and were able to unblock and channel these energies so the body could heal itself.  What causes energy to become stagnant, congested or blocked? Many things contribute to this – including physical, emotional or mental stress, accidents, injuries, trauma, and suppressed feelings. In time, blocked, congested or stagnated energy can lead to illness, chronic conditions, anxiety, depression and pain which show up in the body. Bio-Energy Healing is a remarkably effective natural remedy for health issues and can take your health, wellbeing, spiritual connection and outlook to a whole new level.

www.lightbodyhealingworks.com

Gratitude is one of the fastest and most effective ways to change your mood. When you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed with difficulties or frustrated with what you don’t have, one of the quickest and easiest ways to change this is to focus on what you DO have! Here’s an easy exercise to add into our day: just notice what you feel grateful for. Especially when you’re frustrated or feeling like things aren’t going your way, try this practice to change up your energy. What we focus on expands, so the more we focus on what lights us up and makes us happy to be here, the better! Gratitude is a key in life to attracting what we want. Here’s an exercise to try: at the end of each day write down 3 things that happened for which you are grateful. Do this for 21 days. See how this feels and what happens!

Shari Dunnet, Light Body Healing Works
www.lightbodyhealingworks.com

Three decades ago, I had reached a low point in my life where I was suffering from several health conditions which the health system could not seem to resolve and a family member recommended Aloe Vera Juice, from Pro Ma Systems (Canada) Inc. Within three months of drinking the Aloe Vera juice, I found myself with very little or no discomfort from hot flashes and the miserable cramping associated with the colitis had virtually disappeared. I soon found myself with an unexpected increase in my energy levels. Now over 30 years and counting, I have virtually no symptoms. I knew I had to share this with others so I joined the company and never looked back. Not only have I been able to help people by recommending it, but I have witnessed amazing results with people of all ages who use our Grace Cosmetics natural botanical aloe vera based skin care, body care and therapeutics.

Maureen Glowasky
www.maureenglowasky.com

Next time you step out of the shower, look at the imprint your wet foot makes on the floor. Is there a gap between your heel print and the ball of the foot? If so, it is likely you have a pes cavus foot. People with pes cavus are unable to absorb the shock of heel strike when walking. They often suffer from ankle sprains, sore knees, tight achilles tendons, clawed toes and later on, low back pain. Callusing occurs to protect the high pressure areas of the heels and balls of the feet. Gel insoles soften the impact on the knees, hips and spine, while a sturdy walking shoe provides stability. Custom molded insoles, made with high lateral sides, off load the pressure to provide more comfort and stability. Pes cavus can be bothersome to live with but with proper treatment can provide very happy feet.

Diane Calder, B.D. Mitchell Prosthetics and Orthotics www.mitchellpando.com

Modern Aromatherapy has evolved into four basic categories: Medical (practiced in France by doctors) , Popular & Esoteric (products from metaphysical and gift shops), Holistic (addressing the Body+Mind+Spirit), and Aromachology (The scientific study of fragrance/perfumery). Holistic Aromatherapy is a multidimensional healing art, involving the beneficial physiological, pharmacological, psychological and metaphysical properties of pure therapeutic grade essential oils. In addition, there is a clear understanding of the importance of the client-therapist relationship. The healing effects of various essential oil therapies are augmented by having responsive caring support from a knowledgeable practitioner. The aim of the practitioner is to gain insight into the complex causes of a client’s health concerns, mitigate symptoms, and lead the client forward on the path of self-responsibility and inspired abundant living. Re-connecting with Nature and integrating Mind+Body+Spirit, is the true foundation for optimum wellness!

Nelson Meggitt
www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

Soma Yoga is a combination of somatic movements & yoga relaxation techniques. These movements and techniques are designed to bring mind body awareness resulting in decreased stress response, decreased pain, and increased movement and enjoyment of life. These gentle mindful movements are tools that you can learn to practice each day to enhance the quality of your life. How you feel physically determines how you feel mentally. How you feel mentally determines how you feel physically

It is a never-ending circle of influence! Throughout our lives, our body/mind responds to daily stresses and traumatic experiences by producing reflex muscle contractions. When these muscular reflexes of stress are triggered repeatedly, habitual, involuntary muscle contractions develop. Eventually, Sensory Motor Amnesia develops, a memory loss of how certain muscle groups feel and how to control or relax them. The result is stiffness and pain, decreased movement and postural changes. Using these slow, gentle movements brings back voluntary control of muscles resulting in healthy movement, improved posture, full breathing and mindfulness. An excellent aid for those who have persistent pain and limited mobility.

Katie White, Courtenay Massage Therapy
www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Multiple Myeloma – are you a patient or a caregiver?  The North Island Myeloma Group offers support, education and advocacy for you.  Our very positive members meet the third Tuesday of each month, September to June, to share news, support, laughter and ideas. Though Myeloma is an incurable cancer of the bone marrow it is treatable and some of our members have been living active lives for over 10 years. The group is also holding our annual education day in Nanaimo on September 19 with Dr. Kevin Song, Clinical Assistant Professor, Vancouver General Hospital, as our keynote speaker. There is no charge and lunch is included.

For more information about our group please contact Linda at: lindalathamcr@gmail.com or 250-204-9055 or Mary at: everymountain@shaw.ca or 250-339-6743.  As not everyone is comfortable in a group both Linda and Mary are also pleased to offer private meetings.

www.nimyeloma.ca