The scope of massage therapy in a nut shell.

By Nathalie Bertrand (now registered in BC). This article first appeared in Golden This Week in September 2016

Starting with an appreciation note

I treasure my community and it is a pleasure to connect with so many outdoor enthusiasts, mothers and fathers, health and life seekers at every stage in their journey. The clinic has thrived since the opening day and we thank you all for your dedication, investment and interest in your journey to live in better health with the use of alternative health therapies.

The pain that seems so familiar:

As we all experience different quality and intensity, pain seems to show up as something we’ve felt long time ago, usually combine with other areas, often familiar. Eventually, we come to adapt and live with these pains as part of our normality. Our bodies are composed of living cells which none are separated from an other. How many time have we heard: “it is all connected”! This very true concept explains why our pain and discomfort shows up in very similar patterns over the years … and as many know, it gets worst as we age! As we experience day to day activities, have our unique sequences of injuries and physical demands, systems of compensations are created so to make up for the compromised structures, which can either be symptomatic or not. At this stage, the human body is usually capable, efficient and performs without too many discomforts. Often seen, all of the sudden, a new pain shows up as we didn’t sleep well, shoveled for the first time in the season, had a bad fall or simply moved too fast. It is usually at this point that we get in need of relief. Here are two concepts to consider, the structures associated with an injury gets inflamed and create pain, and, each of our individual systems of compensation are no longer adapted to a new demand.

Who am I and how I can help

I have practiced massage therapy for 14 years using multiple manual therapies since graduating in 2002. I am a registered massage therapist in B.C. and currently enrolled in a six-year degree at the Canadian School of Osteopathy. My goal is to release and resolve pain and chronic conditions that have otherwise not responded to treatment. I believe in an approach focused on targeted tissue release, underlying causes and long-term change, rather than temporary symptom relief, tailoring a treatment to the individual and discovering the root causes of physical imbalance.
 

I developed massage therapy in something I have named “Core-Relation”. If you imagine your spinal column as the trunk of a tree, you can then see that as the trunk bends one way, the side of the bend has become shortened, also contracted, while its opposite side has to have capability to flex and elongate. It is that relationship that needs to happen to create movement without pain. The contracted muscle must after demand release and lengthen, so to allow the elongated and stretched muscle to return to its normal resting state. Otherwise, one will cry to the other as it constantly is being pulled.

I often get the comment: “I have never gotten a massage like that, how is it called?” I believe I differ from conventional massage therapy because my focus is to re-established deep inside tissues, down to the core of the limb or the trunk. My studies in Osteopathy have also validated and reinforced my principles. I use techniques that reaches the core, yet the palpation is non-invasive and is defined to be releasing discomfort.

What is the best approach?

Not only we are connected from head to toe via livings cells, we also are connected via matter, whether we can touch it or not. As Emoto has proven in his work: a given word, which holds a given vibration, changes molecule shapes in water. Our body is made of 60-70% water, each cells containing from 50 to 90%, we expect our thoughts having direct and tremendous effect on the health of all living tissues. The food we eat of course also contribute in great deal the conditions we run into.

We seem to all understand the principle of changing the oil in our car, it is not a choice if you want to keep your vehicles! Our blood can’t be changed, although with the right nutrition, free moving tissues allowing vessels to travel to their destination, and importantly, the right state of mind, we renew its content and maintain our own vehicle, our amazing body!

Combatting stress and illness through Qigong

This article by Randa Sultan was originally published in Golden This Week in May 2016.

What if I told you that you could learn a simple, yet powerful, practice of gentle moving meditation that you could do to heal yourself of any ailment? Well, its true. It takes some time and dedication, but the practice of Qigong is one of the most powerful self-healing practices ever developed.

What is Qigong?

First of all, let’s break down the Chinese word itself. “Qigong” (pronounced “chee gung”) is made up of two words “Qi” and “gong”. Qi means vitality or life force energy. Gong means accomplishment or skill cultivated through practice. So when you put the two together, Qigong means ‘cultivating energy’. It is the practice of moving energy through the body to promote health, healing and increase vitality. 

Qigong was initially developed over 5,000 years ago in China, and is the origin of Tai Chi. The practice of Tai Chi is based more on martial arts, whereas Qigong is based on healing. There are thousands of different styles of Qigong and millions of people all over the world practice Qigong daily. They practice it for these simple reasons: they want to feel good and live a balanced and healthy life.

Qigong is a highly effective health care practice, and is becoming more widely known in the western world as an important form of alternative complementary medicine. 

Qigong is one of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the same principals of acupuncture, but you can do it yourself! The idea behind it is to balance the energy in the body. When energy in the body is out of balance, that is when we get ill.

Qigong involves breathing techniques, visualization, gentle body movements and sound.

In essence, it is a moving meditation practice, focused on moving and balancing the Qi in the body. The movements are gentle, and the wonderful thing about it is that they can be easily adapted to anyone, no matter physical ability or age. While some Qigong styles and movements can be complex and difficult to learn, I have found the style of Spring Forest Qigong to be very simple to learn and yet very powerful.

Spring Forest Qigong is a powerful and easy to learn practice that works on healing the whole body.

A friend of mine introduced me to Spring Forest Qigong two years ago in Calgary after I had suffered a severe concussion. I was, at that time, spending my time in dark and quiet rooms, and unable to leave the house without severe symptoms. I tried all sorts of medical intervention to try to heal, but progress was excruciatingly slow. Through the practice of Qigong and meditation, I saw significant accelerated recovery from the brain injury. Amazing! Even the medical specialists and practitioners who were skeptical of me practicing Qigong have come back to report that they are amazed with the success I have had in healing myself, when their methodologies were not working.

I have continued my practice and training with Spring Forest Qigong, because it works! It works to heal and prevent health issues from developing in the first place: anxiety, pain, digestive issues, depression, reproductive issues, sleep, chronic conditions, illness, disease… you name it. I have also been trained to use Qigong methods to target specific health issues in treating others and have seen incredible results.

So, how does one get started?

You may choose any type of practice that works for you. There are self study books and videos available, or you may join a class to learn. In Golden, I lead Qigong classes every Monday from 6-7pm, based on the Spring Forest Qigong style (at Golden Lotus Yoga Studio, 802 Park Drive, 2 nd floor above Element Therapeutics). I also provide one-on- one sessions to teach you the basics, get a more in-depth practice, or develop an at-home practice that works for you.

Medical Qigong Treatments

In addition to the Qigong practice, trained Qigong practitioners and healers can help to balance energy in others and guide them along their healing path. This form of medical Qigong can be very powerful in removing the underlying causes of the health issues and promote healing. Contact me for a Qigong assessment and treatment session to get you started on your healing path!

For the month of May, come to a Qigong class and receive a $10 discount on any one-on-one qigong or energy healing service booked with Randa - OR with any one-one-one service booked with Randa, receive a coupon for a free Qigong class. Book through www.nourishclinic.ca or contact Randa through www.sacredprana.com.

Listening To Your Body

This article by Judith Thibault was originally published in Golden This Week on April 10, 2016.

Taking your health into your own hands is listening to your body’s wisdom. Taking the time to deeply listen to what it needs, your body will guide you to a healthier you, but first you have to stop listening to your taste buds! As they can trick you to what you want instead or what you need and there is a whole industry that is created around it, the flavoring industry. They know your bliss point so they mix flavoring and get you with the taste so that you want more, and more, and more…. It rings a bell?

To get your body wisdom back you might need to do a little reset and rediscover what you really need not what you really want. Some of your body parts are just a few weeks, even days, old. This is because they are constantly renewing themselves. Taste buds are renewed every 10 days. This I like to hear! Tastebuds are easily retrained to eat healthier.

Making simple changes that will last you a life time, because you are what you put in your body, what you digest, absorb, utilize and eliminate or not eliminate. This is applicable to the physical body but also applicable to the mental and emotional body too. You take on the emotion of what you eat, like the vitality of the fruits and veggies. That’s the energy we all want!

It’s time to be out with the old and in with the new. Your inner terrain need to be cleaned for growth of a new healthier you. In natural healing, terrain is everything, you can’t have a toxic terrain in your body, you can’t put herbs and vitamins into a system that’s clogged up from old indiscretions. You have to start with a clean terrain. Cleansing is the best way to clean up an old terrain, to make it fertile for the new healthier you. Even if you have healthy eating habits, cleansing a couple of times per year is key to keep a healthy terrain as there hasn’t been a time in history that is more toxic than today’s environment. You are exposed to indoor toxins from the new couch you bring home to outdoor pollutants to food you eat. Most of us don’t live in a perfect environment with no toxins, especially if you want to live a little social life. We all have had little indiscretions with foods, if it’s not at home it is in a social setting.

Best time for cleansing is Spring and Fall, usually using the changes of the seasons. When you start feeling sluggish these are good sign that you need a cleanse. A very important rule is cleanse a little and build a little. Before cleansing, know yourself. If you eat really bad foods and we all know what’s bad! We just have to rediscover our taste buds to know what’s good. Maybe you want to be gentle on yourself and cut out the obvious, pastry, dairy, flour, red meat, and the most important sugar, before you get into a full on cleanse. I can help you with applying those changes that will make you feel so good that you’ll not want to go back to the old ways of eating.

There are great cleansing kits ready for you to follow a specific diet and herb regiment as we go through metabolic changes at 3, 7 and 11 days. Those cleaning kits like the Wild Rose is one of them, are set for 12 days. If you have some health challenges to begin with, please don’t do a cleanse first thing thinking that you will regain your health, come and see me as we will have to take a gentler approach to it.

Spring Is In The Air

This article by Randa Sultan was originally published in Golden This Week on March 31, 2016.

As April arrives, we enter into the energetic transition from winter to spring. Spring is the season of renewal, regeneration and rebirth. It is also the time where, after the dormant period of winter, plants and trees are being uncovered from the blanket of snow. They are waking up and ready for new growth and new life to emerge. Internally, our bodies are working on rebuilding and cleansing of various organs and systems, most importantly of which is the liver. The liver is responsible for cleansing toxins and impurities of the blood and internal organs.

Energetically speaking, spring is the time for transformation; cleansing out the old and making space for the new. This is where the term “Spring Cleaning” comes from. Not only can we clean out the space around us, but it is the time to clear and cleanse our mind, body and soul. It is the time to reconnect with the Earth and strengthen our systems. The following are the steps you can take to do this:

Clear and Cleanse - your personal space

Clear out your space both physically and energetically. Feng Shui is a technique for creating an environment of balanced energy in your personal space. Clean the areas of your home that don’t get much traffic. Literally, clear out the cobwebs, remove the dust. Clean your windows and open them to allow the older stagnant air move out and be replaced by fresh air.

Purge items from your home that you do not use, will not use or are not serving any good purpose. Give these away to someone who will gain benefit from them. The act of giving itself will transform your energy. Once you have physically cleared the clutter and cleaned your home, it is time to clear the energy of that space. Space clearing can be done in many ways including traditional burning rituals which may include sage, smudging or incense.

Clear and Cleanse - mind, body and soul

Old stagnant energy, thought patterns, and stress can build up in the body and block important energy pathways in the body causing illness and disease over time. It is always a good idea to work on clearing out old energy that is stored in the mind, body and soul; but in springtime it is especially important to take the time to do so. This means spending some time focusing inward and connecting with the Earth. As most things come from the Earth and return to the Earth, we can use the Earth’s grounding and healing energy to help to clear out stagnant energy patterns in the body. Energy clearing techniques can include breath work, grounding exercises, meditation, qigong, physically connecting with the earth, and removal of energy blockages via energy healing or qigong healing treatments.

This is also a good time to pay attention to your eating habits. Eat seasonally, locally and organic where possible. Focus on foods that will help to cleanse your liver. If you are doing a liver cleanse, gradually introduce this to your system if you have never done one before.

Strengthen

Get outside and exercise! In order to balance the liver’s strong energy at this time of year, we need to strengthen the lungs. Do enough exercise (whether inside or outside) to break a sweat. This helps with detoxification as well as lung strengthening, as the skin is part of the breathing system.

Connect with the Earth/Grounding

The Earth’s energy is very powerful. It is very healing, can help to calm emotions, clear out old energy, it is important in helping to build up energy, and for grounding. Find time to be outside, to physically connect with the Earth, get your hands into the soil, do some gardening, and spend some time barefoot (inside or outside). Take in a deep breath to inhale the smells of spring as things start to grow anew.

Massage the Bubbling Spring energy point (kidney point 1) on the bottom of your feet. This point is located on the sole of the foot, between the 2 nd and 3 rd toes, at the depression about 1/3 of the way down your foot. This point helps move water through the body which helps with detoxification.

A powerful grounding exercise can also be found on my blog (sacredprana.com/blog). To help you get started with your Spring Energy Clearing, Randa is offering discounts on all services for the month of April. Randa specializes in Energy Healing, Qigong and Space Clearing at the Nourish Clinic. Please visit www.sacredprana.com for more information or to book an appointment with Randa.

Q&A with Mark MacKenzie

This interview with Mark MacKenzie was originally published in Golden This Week in March 2016.

Q. What services do you offer at Nourish Clinic?

A. I am a fully licensed Manual Osteopath, offering Manual Osteopathic Treatments.
    Manual osteopathy is a gentle, holistic system of health care that focuses on treatment of the body’s structure, in order to optimize functions. While Osteopathy is best known for pain relief from disorders such as low-back pain, neck pain, shoulder pains, headaches, sciatica, sporting injuries, etc., it also helps to optimize all of the body's systems ( including movement, digestion, sleep, and energy levels).
   Manual Osteopathy differentiates between symptoms (like pain) and the cause of those symptoms. For example, a pain in your shoulder may be due to a problem in the shoulder, in the back, or in the liver, or due to postural mis-alignment.

Q. How does Manual Osteopathy fit into a person's health care?

A. In North America, Osteopaths are fully licensed MDs who practice using Osteopathic principles and manual therapies, to provide a distinct form of primary health care. In the US, there are many Osteopaths, however there are not many Osteopaths in Canada.
   As a Manual Osteopath, I provide the manual therapy portion of an individual's treatment plan, which may, or may not, be determined by an MD.
   A few of the conditions where Manual Osteopathy integrates well with western medicine are: 

• Back and Joint Pains
• Headaches
• Digestive issues
• Arthritis pains
• Injuries
• Post-surgery / Post-hospitalization
• Post-casting

   While I take referrals, people can also self-refer. I work with each client, and will collaborate with their other health-care providers, to develop individualized, evidence-based care plans.

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My typical clients are people with pain and/or limited motions, who are ready to make changes. Some of my clients have new pains for a variety of reasons, while others have chronic pain (in many cases for decades). Regardless of their condition, my clients are ready to regain control of their health and get back to the activities they enjoy.

Q. Why did you become a Manual Osteopath?

A. I had been plagued by low-back pain, digestive issues, and headaches for as long as I can remember. I had seen many MDs and therapists between by teens and early 30's, with some successes, but my symptoms always came back.
   In 2007 I was by far the worst I had ever been; I had to quit manual labor, was eventually given an MRI, and received a diagnosis. I declined a low-success surgery option and spent a few more years searching for answers.
   Eventually, a friend suggested I talk to Manual Osteopath, who ended up changing my life. They were the first therapist to see and understand all of my health problems as a whole, and showed me a path to taking back control of my body.
   After a few visits, I knew I had to share this amazing therapy with others, and enrolled to become a Manual Osteopath.

Q. Is there a phase or quote which inspires you?

A. “The Health in osteopathy is far more than the absence of symptoms or disease." from Dr. A.T. Still.
   To be healthy, all of your body's parts and systems need to be functioning properly. Blood needs to flow, joints need to move freely, organs need to do their jobs efficiently. This allows your body and mind to deal with all of life's demands and stresses. Simply having an absence of conscious symptoms or a labeled disease does not mean your body is able to do this.

Mark practices in Golden on Mondays and Tuesdays and sees patients by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.rmosteo.ca.

Q&A with Judith Thibault

This interview with Judith Thibault was originally published in Golden This Week in March 2016.

Q. What services do you offer at Nourish Clinic?

A. I want to empower you to take charge of your own health and make simple nutritional changes that will support you, your entire life! I believe in the abilities of our own bodies to connect with nature at the source. I offer one on one nutrition consultation. We decide the best way to use our time together, talking about a whole food life style, hands-on cooking in your kitchen, grocery shopping, cleaning and setting your pantry or anything else you may need in regards to Holistic Nutrition. Group parties, you have a few friends that would like to spend a few hours together and would love to address one specific subject in a group setting sharing the same interest on holistic nutrition, example, how to strengthening your immune system, understanding your cravings, learn how to make sauerkraut, healing bone broth, or deliciously healthy bars and cookies… I would love to organize an event just for you and your friends!

Q. Where did you complete your training?

A. I have been studying the connections of body - mind - spirit health for the past 15 years and know how important the benefits of balanced nutrition can make in your life! Loving the idea of letting food be our medicine so much I decided to take some formal training at the Body Mind Institute in 2010 for the Nutrition certification and Raw Nutrition Certification. I love to continue taking classes on the subject and I make sure I learn something new every day in the field of holistic health.

Q. What makes you so passionate about the work that you do?

A. I love to share what I know about nutrition, it makes me smile. Being the observer and supporter by guiding someone making simple shifts and achieving amazing results is truly rewarding to me. We eat every day, nourishing our bodies with nutrient dense foods is like giving your body the right fuel… You wouldn’t put gas in your diesel car, right? The life changing experiences someone can have in relation with foods by nourishing their bodies is quite remarkable. Eating healthy whole foods is very simple, as it is just like nature has intended it.

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Golden?

A. I grew up in the suburb of Quebec City and to gain some advantages in my career at the time I needed to learn English, so I left for the Canadian Quest and to learn a second language! I lived in Banff for 5 years and that is where I met my love one! We then moved to Golden in 2002 for the vast mountain biking play ground, the affordability of living and to be on the warmer side of the Rockies. Living in this beautiful town that has everything to offer, but not much for organic food at the time was a challenge. I already had been eating organic for a long while so I created Genuine Organics, a bin delivery service with a vision that kept taking shape year after year (served Golden for 9 years) by offering you the option to nourish your body and save the planet one apple at the time! I am a casual organic gardener and loving the process of planting, caring, harvesting and saying thanks! I am grateful to line in such a beautiful place.

Q. Is there a phrase or quote which inspire you?

A. I firmly believe this saying by Hippocrates “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. I also live by this quote; “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease” - Thomas A Edison.
One more “You become what you think. You are what you eat” – Barbara Cartland.

Contact Nourish to set up an appointment with Judith or to learn more. 

Q&A with Janis Dyck

This interview with Janis Dyck was originally published in Golden This Week in March 2016.

Q. What services do you offer?

A. I offer individual and group art therapy sessions for children and adults. My art therapy work uses the creative process as a means of emotional healing and personal growth. Clients are able to work through issues ranging from past trauma and abuse to those simply wishing to welcome creativity more into their lives. My sessions combine meditation, movement, art-making and written reflection.

My work is client centred and follows the client’s lead while I witness, support and gently guide the process. In my experience art-making leads people to exactly where they need to go for their own healing and growth. The art is encouraging, self-supporting and never pushy. It is a safe, gentle way of working with material that can be highly charged. Like dreams, the art can access unconscious material and bring it into our conscious awareness allowing for integration and growth.

Individual art therapy sessions are usually between one hour and two hours long depending on the client’s wishes. The groups I offer meet once a week for two hours over the course of four - eight weeks. Both the individual and group sessions are offered out of my beautiful, spacious home studio five minutes south of town.

Q. Where did you complete your training?

A. I have always created art for myself and can’t remember a time when I didn’t have this outlet in my life. To further this early beginning I graduated with a Fine Arts Degree (specializing in painting and drawing) from the University of Calgary in 1997. After travelling to Kunming, China to teach English I enrolled in The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute where I obtained a post-graduate diploma in Art Therapy in 2001. While enrolled in art therapy school I had practicum placements at various elementary schools, high schools and The Burnaby Youth Secure Custody Centre.

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. I have worked with children as young as 4 up to adults in their eighties. Art therapy is accessible to anyone willing to pick up a paintbrush and discover where their art can lead them. Some clients are looking to explore issues of trauma and abuse while others are simply wanting to become more attuned with their creativity and intuition.

Q. What are some of the benefits of art therapy?

A. Art therapy has many benefits. Art therapy can lead to greater emotional awareness and connection resulting in an overall sense of well-being and healthier relationships. Art therapy can decrease heart-rate, slow down breathing and decrease muscle tension. It can also point to physical issues we may be experiencing but not be conscious of. By exploring emotional material that may have a physical manifestation we can increase our overall physical well-being. Art therapy increases mental focus and eliminates mental chatter helping us to slow down and be present. Entering the creative process involves taking a leap of faith into the unknown. In my opinion opening up to the unknown opens us up to the experience of something greater than ourselves and the possibility of transformation and increased awareness.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Golden?

A. I moved to Golden in 2001 to work as The Abuse Recovery Counsellor at The Golden Family Centre where I gained experience working with a wide variety of clients on a wide range of issues. Having grown up in Canmore, Alberta I was so excited to find work as an art therapist back in the mountains. Shortly after moving to Golden I met my husband and after working for a couple of years took time off to raise my two sons. My experience being a mother continues to teach me so much about living in the moment, being present and being open emotionally. I feel this experience has brought a lot into my work as an art therapist.

I enjoy spending time in the mountains with my husband and boys and the wonderful people of this community. I am passionate about painting and enjoy skiing, running, hiking, biking and gardening. Yoga and meditation have been part of my personal practice for over 20 years.

Get in touch through Nourish to connect with Janis or make an appointment.

Q&A with Randa Sultan

This interview with Randa Sultan was originally published in Golden This Week in February 2016.

Q. What sort of treatments do you offer at Nourish Clinic?

A. I treat all forms of physical, mental and emotional ailments, as the underlying principle is the same. Energy imbalances in the body, mind and spirit cause illness; remove the imbalance and you remove the cause of the illness. In addition, there is a strong connection between emotional, mental and physical ailments. An issue that started off as an emotional basis, can turn into a physical ailment, and vice versa.

I specialize in balancing and enhancing energy in the body, mind and spirit through holistic energy healing and qigong; combining techniques I have studied over the last 20 years. Energy healing and qigong are used to treat issues such as pain, trauma, headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, grief/loss, addictions, sleep issues, self-esteem, joint issues, reproductive issues, chronic conditions and diseases.

I also offer personalized qigong instruction for those who have specific concerns (ailment, illness, emotional issues). With the one-on- one qigong instruction, I develop a personalized qigong exercise program for the client to continue the self-healing process at home. The qigong-focused healing treatments can provide a better option to achieving targeted results. With all of these methods, my goal is to return the client to their optimal health and wellness. I then put the healing power back in their hands by teaching how to maintain energy balance within the body.

Q. Can you explain a bit more about Energy Healing and how it works?

A. Like logs can block a stream, stress and negative experiences over time can block your internal energy flow. If our energy system is disrupted for long periods of time, this will lead to ill health. In other words, illness, pain, mental and emotional distress are the body’s way of telling us that our energy system is out of balance. By paying attention to the underlying energy imbalances and treating the cause of the symptoms, we can stop the illness from progressing.

Q. What exactly is Qigong, and how do you pronounce it?

A. My training is in Medical Qigong (pronounced “chee gong”) which is the oldest therapeutic modality of Chinese medicine. It is based on the principals of enhancing the flow of energy in the body and bringing it back to balance to promote healing. There is a strong self-healing component, which is an active meditation practice. Qigong is also used to heal others, by using powerful techniques to remove energy blockages from the client’s body to restore health and wellness.

I lead weekly group qigong classes through Golden Lotus Yoga (above Element Therapeutics). I am also offering two empowering workshops for Spring Rejuvenation (April 3 and April 17) combining qigong, meditation and traditional burning rituals.

Q. What makes you so passionate about the work that you do?

A. My personal journey to holistic health began over 20 years ago, seeking out help with a series of physical and emotional issues. Most treatments focused on the symptoms, and relief was only temporary. Through the intense study of Spiritual Energy Healing and Qigong, the focus shifted to the underlying energy imbalances. This energy work has changed my life, and I have seen others also have powerful shifts in their bodies and their lives. It constantly amazes me how effective these simple and gentle techniques are! My desire is to share this knowledge with others and help them along their healing path.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Golden?

A. I am originally from Toronto, and yet found myself constantly wandering off to find places of peace, which inevitably would be in nature. I came to the mountains 15 years ago with a love for the outdoors, a desire to belong to a community, and looking for the place I could call home. With my strong wanderlust tendencies, I have travelled all over, and yet I found myself returning to Golden as often as possible. I am ecstatic to be able to call this home for the last 7 years!

Q. Any final words?

A. I am overjoyed at this endeavour with the wonderful crew at Nourish Clinic! Such a warm atmosphere and genuine desire from all of us to help you reach your optimal health and wellness. I look forward to meeting and continuing to have a positive impact on the lives of those who are ready to take that step on their healing path. I strongly believe we all have the innate ability to be fully and completed healed; sometimes we just need a little help!

Please visit www.sacredprana.com for more information or to book an appointment with Randa.

Q&A with Kerri Lautamus

This interview with Kerri Lautamus was originally published in Golden This Week in February 2016.

Q. What services do you offer at Nourish Clinic?

A. I offer relaxation and deep tissue massage sessions during which I combine various modalities that I’ve studied over the last 13 years – deep breathing techniques, Ayurvedic massage, Thai massage, Jin Shin Do (acupressure) and Reflexology. By incorporating the awareness that each thought communicates with every cell in the body, I also encourage the use of positive visualizations and words. I use different techniques in each treatment to meet the needs of each individual client.
   A popular choice of treatment amongst my clients is the 60 minute massage followed by 15 minutes of Reflexology. Reflexology stimulates all areas of the body including the organs and glands by applying pressure to corresponding areas on the feet.
   Prenatal massage is also available for the mother-to- be. The treatment focuses on the areas of her choice, while relaxing tension along the whole spine as well as the hips, neck and shoulders.
   The massages are complemented by warmed oil and towels. The encouragement of a deeper breath helps to create state of relaxation. Clients are left feeling rebalanced and calm as well as relieved of their muscular tension.

Q. Where did you complete your training for these techniques?

A. I completed my initial massage training at the Foothills College of Massage Therapy in Calgary in 2002. I studied reflexology with Joan Cosway-Hayes in Calgary. My Jin Shin Do certificate comes from the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria, BC. A month long course at Wat Po in Bangkok, Thailand learning Thai massage was an incredible cultural experience. My doula certificate was acquired during training in Tofino and through volunteering at a number of births. I learned the art of abhyanga and shirodhara with an Ayurvedic Practitioner. Last but not least, in 2015 I spent 5 weeks at Shanti Yoga in Nelson, BC completing my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training which focused on spinal alignment and pranayama (the regulation of breath through various exercises and techniques).

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My clients range in age from 5 – 75 and everywhere in between. Some are elite athletes looking to resolve injuries or get rid of lactic acid, others have chronic illness they are seeking to grow out of. Parents find their children are able to focus and relax more easily after a massage. Some people simply see me as part of their regular health and wellness program. The common thread is they all enjoy the quiet and healing environment which is created for them and they appreciate the complete focus they receive.

Q. Is there a principle or concept which unites your work?

A. Yes. I believe true healing begins when we find a tranquil space to breathe deeply and are able to completely relax our body and mind. Nestled in this place, the nervous system feels safe and nurtured, and knots begin to slowly unwind. This is a process which absolutely involves the dedication and commitment of the person seeking change within their self.

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Golden?

A. I spent my childhood on a farm in Saskatchewan. The day after high school, I moved to Canmore, following my dream of living in the mountains. I have called both Galiano Island and Victoria home as well. World travels have taken me to New Zealand, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Cook Islands, Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysian Borneo. I moved to Golden almost six years ago after spending a season couch surfing between shifts while working for CMH.
   An avid gardener with a deep love for cooking, I am passionate about all things food. I have a diploma in textile design, play the accordion and love to sing and dance. Outdoor pursuits of biking, skiing, ski touring, and hiking keep me healthy and happy. I also teach a weekly drop in yoga class on Saturdays at 4:30 at Golden Lotus Yoga, which is above Element Therapeutics.

Q. Is there a phrase or quote which inspires you?

A. There is a beautiful quote which I often bring to my mind throughout the day from Thich Nat Hahn, “Smile, breathe and go slowly”. I like the simplicity and gentle reminder to enjoy each moment fully and remain present through the breath, sharing that joy with others through a genuine smile.

Please get in touch through Nourish for more information, or to book an appointment with Kerri.

Q&A with Nathalie Bertrand

This interview with Nathalie Bertrand was originally published in Golden This Week in February 2016.

Q. Nourish Clinic is your brainchild . . . tell us all about it and what inspired you to bring it into creation?

A. I am a firm believer that working collectively with other health practitioners creates a better chance for an individual to have their needs for healing met more fully. It also creates huge support for each other as practitioners, bringing in new perspectives and the opportunity to learn from each other. I wanted to create a clinic which offers people healing that focuses on getting to the core of a problem so as to break patterns & move past the compensatory ways our minds, body and spirit hold us stuck, so as people can find a more healthy equilibrium. My intention is that Nourish Clinic brings support so as people can heal on all the levels needed. One person can do lots to change the world and collectively we can create miracles! We have a practitioner to support you at each level.

Q. What are your hopes for Nourish Clinic as it flourishes and nourishes people of Golden?

A. My ultimate goal is that we, at Nourish can offer a space where people can come and find their way back to equilibrium. Our body’s pain is its language for help to restore imbalance, whether it stems from physical or from our energetic realms. When our bodies can’t compensate anymore and the timing feels right, I am thrilled to offer a space at Nourish Clinic where people can come and unravel the causes of the problem.

Q. What is the modality you offer to Nourish clients?

A. Right from the moment I started working as a physical therapist I was able to feel restrictions and pulls in people’s bodies. Gifted with listening hands, my wish has been to put it to work in genuine service to reverse discomforts and dis-ease. I have dedicated myself to not only help reduce pain and discomforting symptoms, but aim to break through the cause that creates it. I recently have engaged as a student at Canadian Osteopathy College to better serve you. I believe in working at the core, thus explaining the name I like to associate with my work, Core-Relation Therapy. I welcome all those that have lived their lives with pain, whether it is your back, head, neck or joints that gives you grief. I can help or direct you to the best direction of healing!

Q. What is osteopathy and how does it differ from chiropractors?

A. The mistake most often made by people when they hear the word osteopathy is to relate the word osteo and bones, the word osteon which in latin refers to living cells. Osteopathy deals with all living cells in the body. Alignment of bones, organs, and their fascia and cells are restored. With the osteopath’s advanced fine palpation skills, each structure is assessed individually. The osteopath listens to find out how structures live on their own. Once the problem (what an osteopath call a lesion) is normalized it then exists in all of its motility, therefore serving and nourishing all adjacent tissues optimally leading to a harmonious body. “The entire body, if adequately nourished, functions to maintain, repair and heal itself.” Magoun

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Golden?

A. I’m an outdoor enthusiast and life seeker ! I was drawn to the Kicking Horse to live out my passion for rivers where I was a raft guide for a short decade. I fell in love with nature and all the ways she invited me to playing outdoors. Another big part of why I made Golden home is how the community felt right from the get go, thank you all for your trust and to your warm souls! I worked as a massage therapist in a rehab center in Montreal for 6 months and thought I’d never give another massage again! It is a different matter in Golden where the community in general is so much more uplifted. People are alive here and want to heal!

Q. Anything to add?

A. Yes! A huge soulful thank you to our friends from Element Therapeutics for their warm welcome. We are all excited to join force and resources for the community!

Contact Nathalie through Nourish for more information or to book an appointment. 

Q&A with Liza Hindmarch

This interview with Liza Hindmarch was originally published in Golden This Week in February 2016.

Q. What services do you offer at Nourish Clinic?

A. I offer Holistic Life Coaching ~ an integrated mind, body, and spirit approach to helping people achieve their life dreams and goals. I use a variety of techniques to help people move past blocks and limitations and release old memories which affect our perspective on life. Just like we are what we eat, we are also what we think. According to Bruce Lipton (author of Biology of Belief) we are only operating 10% consciously in any one day, the rest of the time we are responding from an old tape looping around in our subconscious, one that was created between the ages of 0-6 years old when we were most suggestible and like little sponges. This means 90% of the time it is old conditioning that is running our lives. Much of the work I do helps target this 90% and moves people past their old childhood programming, leaving them free to create the life they would like to lead.

Q. Can you explain more about techniques you use?

A. One such technique is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which involves talking about a problem or issue whilst tapping on Chinese acupressure points which gives the body permission to release the emotional charge locked inside. It sounds too easy to be true, however I have seen this technique time and time again create miraculous results for people, often only in one treatment. It’s a great technique for phobias, fears, traumas and any emotional issue that is for whatever reason stuck in our system. I tap along with the client. Once we’ve identified what the issue is running at the core of the problem we go through a sequence of acupressure points and peel away layer after layer until the person is left feeling completely empty of any emotional charge.

Q. Is there a principle or concept that unites your work?

A. What unites all the work I do is that first and foremost it is client led. I am not an authority on anything, other than knowing how a few techniques work and have a few energy tricks up my sleeve. I believe each of us are our own authority. We each have an ornate ability to self heal, we just need the right conditions and loving container and awareness to allow this to happen. I just help create an optimum environment in which the client can more easily make their own healing movements.
    It is my belief that the healing environment is a powerful ingredient in any healing modality and indeed being held in love and compassion is often all anyone needs to feel better in themselves.

Q. What makes you so passionate about the work you do?

A. Every day I see changes in clients through the modalities I use and seeing these shifts in people, witnessing them opening up to more joy and abundance in their lives makes me feel so fulfilled. It is great to be able to follow my life’s purpose and bring my skills to help others find
peace and freedom.

Q. What is a phrase that inspires you?

A. "Argue for your limitations and they are yours" from Illusions, a book by Richard Bach.
    Truly, if we settle for what is then that’s all we will get, but if we dare to demand more of life, of ourselves I believe life and providence rises up to match our intention and magic happens as a result!

Q. What brought you to Golden? Tell us a bit about yourself!

A. Originally from the UK, I emigrated to Canada with my husband in 2001 and decided to settle in Golden. After setting up and running On the Caribou Hostel (now called Caribou Hostel) for four years we sold the business and at this time I began my life coaching training and set up my business Munay Holistics. For the past 5 years I have used the sanctuary of my home to welcome people to join me in one day retreats as well as my 10 week Art of Transformation course I run in the fall. I love my work and feel blessed to now have a town presence and be a part of the Nourish team. I so enjoy collaborating with other amazing practitioners.
    I love spending time in nature and hiking in the mountains and feel blessed to have such pristine beauty on our doorstep. The people of Golden are amazing and I love being a part of such a great community.

Contact Liza via Nourish Clinic or visit www.munayholistics.ca or call 250 344 5026 for more information or to book a session.