From the sweet aroma of lavender to the stimulating fragrance of eucalyptus, essential oils ignite your senses. The shelf-life of an essential oil will vary depending on the type of oil, but when stored properly they should last an average of two to three years. Some essential oils such as sandalwood will actually get better with age. Assuming we are starting with a fresh therapeutic grade oil, the main factors which degrade the quality, safety and efficacy of an essential oil are environmental oxygen, heat and light. Essential oils high in terpenes, such citrus oils which are high in limonene, are especially prone to oxidization and will tend to have a shorter shelf-life than other oils. Replacing the caps securely after use and storing your oils away from sources of heat and light are the basic guidelines for maintaining the shelf-life of these valuable allies in your self-care and wellness routines.

Nelson Meggitt, Optimum Wellness Factor

www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

When energy from the heart intertwines with the energy field of a plant, communication can take place. By holding the image of the true form of a plant, by talking to it, one can trigger a plant to produce seeds from their historical origin. As a result, Masanobu Fukuoka found the true shape of fruit trees and learned to grow them from seed without the need to prune or the need of fertilizer, weeding or tilling of the soil. Imagine a world where it was common-place for people to communicate with plants to receive their healing, their information to assist one’s soul journey, and their growing qualities without the need for chemicals. People have been connecting with plants since the beginning of time, and now the world is awakening to the importance of this. It is time.

Gordon Weber, Spirit Gardens

www.spiritgardens.ca

So many of us humans take solace in our beautiful gardens. Our mild coastal climate encourages some amazing flora! It’s not a surprise that our furry companions also enjoy spending time outdoors with us. Alas, Mother Nature has spiked some of our most adored flowers with poisons. While this line of defense protects the plant’s survival, it doesn’t bode well for the curious cat that chomps down on a chrysanthemum flower, or the dog that decides your basket of lily bulbs is today’s snack. The list of toxic plants isn’t limited to the outdoors; some common indoor tropical plants are also dangerous to pets. Familiarize yourself with the plants known to be toxic to your companion animals, avoid placing or planting them in harms way around your home and garden. If you suspect your pet has ingested or been exposed to a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Ken Seaman, Dr. of Veterinary Medicine. Puntledge Veterinarian Clinic

www.puntledgevet.ca

A.Vogel Natural Allergy Homeopathic Remedy is for the treatment of sneezing, itchy nose and burning eyes. It not only lowers the allergic reaction, but also relieves symptoms. Allergies were almost never heard of 50 years ago but they are now among the most frequent health problems. Respiratory allergies, hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergies and urticaria are only some of the names given to this disease, now of epidemic proportions in our society. Many therapists blame environmental pollution, others blame chemical and devitalized food, some blame antibiotics, and some blame vaccines. Be that as it may, the current medical answer to an allergy is not satisfactory, antihistaminic and other allergy drugs bring a temporary relief – but no treatment. The real question is, If it is possible to acquire an allergy, shouldn’t it be possible to get rid of it?

Jeanie Bruneau, Certified Professional Cancer Coach, Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner, Jeanie’s Vitamin Centre

All massages are a treat, but there are four common types of massage.

1. Swedish/Relaxation- Is very gentle and soothing to the entire body. It has been found through clinical trials to improve white blood cell counts (improve immunity) and decrease the stress hormone cortisol.
2. Hot Stone Massage – In addition to being deeply relaxing, hot stone massage increases blood flow to muscles helping to reduce muscle pain, tension and spasm.
3. Trigger Point Massage – A trigger point is a tight painful spot in a muscle that can refer pain. This type of therapy can be uncomfortable but the results are worth it. Chronic and acute pain can be reduced or eliminated using this deep pressure.
4. Pregnancy Massage – Helps to reduce anxiety and muscle tension. Will also increase blood and lymph circulation and swelling. Can help improve sleep and reduce stress.

Courtenay Massage Therapy
www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Q: What’s the best way to keep contact lenses clean? A: If you’re feeling like your contact lenses are not clean, I assume you are wearing common disposable biweekly or monthly contact lenses. This necessitates cleaning and storing the contact lenses with a multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide system. These solutions work fairly well, but sometimes the lenses remain unclean. Worse yet, any solution may cause some irritation over time. The solutions don’t really make slightly worn-out contact lenses feel any better. The best way to keep contact lenses clean is to use a single-use lens or a daily disposable lens. The risk of infection, inflammation and irritation is much lower with this type of lens, and the convenience is an extra bonus.

Dr. Alex Kennedy, Mosaic Vision Car

www.mosaicvisioncare.com

When stressed with body tension it reflects in how easy it is to relax and let go, especially when sleeping. Being a Feldenkrais Practitioner I have observed when people are fully relaxed they actually need less support. Many people ask me what is the right pillow? The answer for each person is different.  I ask, side, back or front sleeper, how soft is their mattress, do they have neck and shoulder pain, numbness and tingling or difficulty sleeping. Usually, I find people need much more support than they think when side lying and much less when they are on their front or back.  If they have a pain issue the need for firmer support is mandatory in order to allow them to relax and let go into the support, alleviating the tension in their neck, shoulder and back muscles.

Roxanne Derkson RMT GCFP
www.vivitherapy.com