A Bowen treatment consists of gentle rolling moves with pauses between moves, giving the body time to benefit from each set and process the information. Bowenwork® balances and stimulates; the restorative process begins once the body is no longer in a state of ‘fight or flight’. By releasing muscle tissue tensions patterns, clients often describe a deep state of relaxation, a feeling of peace and calm, as well as a more positive frame of mind less affected by stress, and they make better decisions. The Bowen technique is appropriate for anyone dealing with pain and injuries, from a newborn to an elderly person. It can help athletes and pregnant women, as well as people with disabilities or chronic conditions. This innovative form of bodywork was first developed in Australia by the late Tom Bowen. His work was verified in 1975 by the Victorian Government, revealing that he saw some 13,000 patients every year!

Andrée Boisvert, Bowenwork® Practitioner, ABHolisticHealth.com

On Vancouver Island and across Canada, small farms are disappearing. This is happening despite the fact that small scale agriculture have an important advantage over large scale farming operations. By producing a diverse variety of crops, small farms create a home for many beneficial organisms, preventing the stress affecting insects that are caused by monocropping. With biodiversity and a strong microbial soil culture, pests are not a problem making the use of pesticides unnecessary. Today, over 90% of the food consumed on Vancouver Island is imported. This is a far cry from the 1950s when 85% of the food consumed here was grown here. By supporting local small scale agriculture and buying local, consumers can help establish stronger food security and a local economy for our communities. Buying local will help ensure an organic, sustainable food supply for many years to come and reduces our carbon footprint.

Brian Prince, Farmer, Prince Acres CSA
PrinceAcresCSA.com

“I’m not flexible enough.” “I need more of a workout.” “Yoga is not for my body shape.” When it comes to reasons for not trying yoga, yoga studio owner Susan Pederson has heard them all. “The thing I hear most often is that people think they are the wrong body type for yoga.  This is based on pictures they’ve seen of young, skinny yogis doing backbends and standing on their heads. It’s intimidating.” The fact is, all body shapes at any age can benefit from yoga, whether it’s a chair yoga class for people who can’t get up and down from the floor; a class that focuses on breathing and stress relief, or a gentle class designed for beginners. Yoga studios will help people discover a yoga practice that feels right for them. “It’s just about showing up and trying your best. It’s that simple.”

Susan Pederson, Owner of Suga Yoga
SugaYogaParksville.com

Studies show that positive, well-managed vacations can make you happier, less stressed and that you will return to work re-energized with more meaning in your life. Using a travel agent is a great way to ensure a stress-free vacation. A travel agent will ensure that you have good flight connections, proper documentation, accommodations and arrive home in a timely fashion; relaxed and happy. “A local couple were on their dream trip cruising around South America.  On December 23rd, they left the ship and caught their flight to Nanaimo as planned. Their trip would have hit a serious roadblock had they not booked with a travel agent. Unbeknownst to them, their flight back from Chile had been cancelled two days earlier. Their travel agent was notified and she had them rebooked on another plane before their cruise ship docked. Had the couple not used a travel agent, they would not have made it home for Christmas that year.”

Lynn Alexander, CTW Oceanside Travel
www.Oceanside.Travel

Bringing plants into your home is a simple, beautiful and inexpensive way to transform your house into a healthy home base. Research suggests that the outdoors has a calming effect on the human body and brain, so introducing even just one small Peace Lily into your home can help you to breathe better, sleep better and live better.

Rita Callan, Realtor, Remax First Realty, Parksville/Qualicum
RitaCallan.ca