Summer is here and that means more time outdoors. Yay! Whether it’s golf, running, or gardening that makes you happy, summer is a time when many step away from their yoga practice. We may think of yoga as something that is confined to a class setting but its benefits go well beyond. A regular yoga practice can go a long way towards every day health and the strength, stamina, and flexibility which help us participate in other activities. Moving our bodies through a variety of poses keeps us mobile and can balance out the over-use or repetitive movements often associated with other activities. Being present in our practice also teaches body and breath awareness, which can help with focus in other sports, and the wisdom to know when our body has had enough of something. So, keep yoga as a part of your regular exercise routine and spring into summer!

Susan Turner, Yoga Connections
www.yogaconnections.ca

Reflexology is a therapy that uses the stimulation of reflexes on the feet or hands which are related to different parts of the body. Manipulating these points encourages these parts of the body to rebalance. RLD is given via the feet reflex points and targets the body’s lymphatic system to restore drainage of lymphatic fluid. RLD is a technique used by complementary healthcare professionals to provide relief from symptoms of secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema can often follow treatment for breast cancer, which wreaks havoc on the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. RLD mimics the effects of simple manual lymph drainage techniques which alleviate the swelling, pain and stiffness associated with lymphedema. Early indications suggest that RLD may be useful with many other conditions, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory auto-immune disorders, pregnancy and premenstrual fluid retention.

Balance and Harmony, Rositha Jeanson
www.rositha.ca

Juicing and smoothies are huge right now, and for good reason! The juicing process extracts all of the vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. These vitamins are absorbed into the blood stream within 15 minutes. It’s like drinking a liquid vitamin! Smoothies on the other hand offer you all the vitamins but also the fibre of the fruit and vegetable. And because it’s already broken down it takes less time for the body to break it down and digest it. My favourite smoothie recipe is the “Green Goddess”. Using a good-quality blender, blend the following ingredients together: 1 cup spinach, 1 avocado, 1 banana, 2 tbsp of hemp hearts, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp of nutmeg, ¼ tsp of ginger, 1 tbsp of maple syrup and 1 ½ cup of nut milk of your choice. Enjoy!

Carole Tetreault, Calder Healing House
www.shineyourlight.ca

It’s not just our adoration for foliage that leaves us feeling Zen—being outside can actually offer relief for everything from depression to negativity. Did you know that being out in the wilderness can ease depression and feelings of stress? If you are sick of getting that workout done indoors in a smelly, stuffy gym, then why not grab a friend and head to the countryside for a nice long walk along a quiet path or rural road. Bring a picnic and have a light, airy meal in the grass. But what happens if you get lost or hurt while out in the wilderness? Would you know what to do? There are several great Wilderness Survival courses available to you, one being offered right here in the Southeast on June 12th for youth & adults! Registration can be done through Eastman Safety Training Centre at www.eastmansafety.ca

Misconception: Migraines are psychological manifestations of women’s inability to manage stress and emotions. Actuality: Neurologists are very clear that migraines are a real, debilitating medical condition related to temporary abnormal brain activity. Women are 3 to 4 times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. It has to do with hormones that activate neurons in specific parts of the brain which trigger pain sensation during their menstrual cycle; and has nothing to do with emotions. But hormones are just part of the puzzle. Lights, smells, certain foods and alcohol are also key triggers for Migraines. Both Reflexology and Indian Head Massage, when taken at reasonable intervals, are proven therapies for curing migraines, whatever the cause.

Gloria Laing – Certified Reflexology Therapist and Indian Head Massage Practitioner
www.gloriasreflexology.ca

Have you ever wondered why people go for massages? There is so much more to it than just getting a relaxing massage! A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) attends school for 1-2 years and is required to take continuing education courses every year in order to maintain their skills and to learn new ones. Massage Therapists are taught how to assess your body as well as to ask the right questions in order to figure out what’s wrong with the client. Massage Therapists treat your conditions, ailments, pains and discomfort accordingly. We have a plethora of knowledge and abilities that will help our clients. As an RMT we have many ways of fixing (107) your pains and discomforts. We help people rehabilitate from injury, car accidents, surgery etc. If you are in need of some relief from chronic pain or injury, or just want some time to yourself, contact a local RMT and book your appointment.

Thea Juenke, Rejuvenate Massage Therapy

www.facebook.com/Rejuvenate-Massage-Therapy

Painting is an activity that benefits our quality of life and mental health. Painting is therapeutic because it offers a way to release us from stress and anxiety and helps relax our body. As we focus our attention and energy on the activity at hand, we are distracted from our usual thoughts and stressors which allows us to let go of the problems and the demands that plague us. Painting also relieves mental strain by stimulating the creative side of our brain as we create beauty and become immersed in the flow of the brush and colours of the paint. The positive emotional reactions we have after spending time in a safe, creative atmosphere promote a sense of optimism and wellbeing. The result is numerous health benefits on both the mind and body that lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Amber Van Ma’iingan, Painting On the Prairies

www.ontheprairies.ca

Let’s admit it, sometimes we take our bodies for granted. It’s no different for our feet. Our feet are important – they carry us through life! The 52 bones in your feet make up for a quarter of all the bones in your body. The foot performs 3 main functions that are related to biomechanics; they absorb shock, act as a rigid lever to propel the body forward, and they help the body adapt to different ground environments. The foot forms the basic foundation of the body and represents the body in its entirety. Any impairment to its function will displace the body’s centre of gravity, making it necessary for other areas to overcompensate. Almost 95% of all foot deformities are painless but affect the spine, shoulders, and cervical displacement. Taking good care of your feet through regular reflexology treatments, exercise, foot strengthening exercises, and hygiene will help to keep the foot strong and healthy.

Gloria Laing, Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, Gloria’s Reflexology

www.gloriasreflexology.ca