Aromatherapy NOW at Vitality for Life!

As a Naturopathic doctor I appreciate a variety of 'alternative' treatments and Aromatherapy is certainly one that I'm pleased to offer as an adjunct treatment to our patients. 

Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils (essential oils) for the purpose of improving one's physical, psychological, cognitive and overall well-being.

Aromatherapy can be offered alongside standard treatments, and a skilled Aromatherapist will know the contraindications for using specific oils with certain conditions or medications.

Aromatherapists utilize blends of therapeutic essential oils that can be administered through topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a desired response.

On a personal note, I not only love Aromatherapy, but I also have known our Aromatherapist, Denise, for over a decade! She has successfully launched her own fantastic product line, and she is one of the warmest,friendliest and caring women that I have known. I feel lucky to call her my friend, and also to say that she's part of our team!

At Vitality for Life we currently offer the following Aromatherapy experiences by our skilled Aromatherapist, Denise Sutherland: 

1.   CUSTOM PERFUME CONSULT – A private journey to create a CUSTOM perfume blend just for you!

Denise will create a custom blend perfume during a ONE HOUR session dedicated specifically to you - a blend of essential oils that suits your body chemistry will be selected. Made with pure essential oils and your choice of jojoba oil or an alcohol base, your signature scent will be kept on file so you may purchase your personalized perfume again and again. 

You will take home a 1oz beautiful bottle adorned with a special saying in a velvet pouch.

*Additional products with your special blend will be available for purchase as well.

2.   AROMATHERAPY SESSION

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that helps to treat the body on several levels such as emotional, physical, mental and spiritual.  It can help with overall well-being and can benefit many conditions.  As a certified Aromatherapist, Denise will speak with you about present concerns and create a blend based on your needs. 

Initial consultation (aromatherapy blend and treatment plan) 1hr and 30 min

Follow up visit with aromatherapy blend:      30 minutes

*Additional products with your special blend will be available for purchase as well.

3.   ESSENTIAL OIL CONSULT

A chance to speak to Denise about how you can use Essential Oils in a safe and effective way around the house, in your beauty products & for your health. You will be given ideas on how you can incorporate the use of Essential oils into your daily routine as well as how to replace existing toxic products around your home.

                                                                                                          

 To BOOK AN APPOINTMENT please click herehttps://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/VFLCLK!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

So EXCITED about these NEW Services at VFL!

Over the years I've seen an evolution in my own practice as a Naturopath but also in the services and experience that we offer at the clinic. I am a big believer in whole body health - this includes nutrition, exercise, stress management and of course body care. This week I'm thrilled to announce some exciting new services that I'm hoping you will love as much as I do (I'm particularly drawn to the Thai Hot Stem Massage because of it's use of a variety of herbs, which complements my own use of botanical medicines)!  

Our Registered Massage Therapist, Kyla Hookey, is bringing with her not only years of experience in massage therapy, but also these fabulous additional therapies to take your massage experience to the next level (as well as treating some very specific conditions). Here's a brief description of what she will be offering:

 1. Thai Hot Stem Massage: this therapy includes components of: Swedish, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu massage as well as acupressure and lymphatic drainage.

Each treatment involves 2 stems (herbal compresses), in addition to the massage techniques. In Thailand, the stems are used in treatments for aches, pains, inflammation and bruising as well as soothing treatment for underlying connective tissue. The deep moist heat produced by the steamed stems is highly effective when dealing with deep seated muscle tension and the aromatherapy offered by the herbs is a wonderful way to encourage relaxation and promote the healing process. The cotton covering and the oils produced by the herbs offers an additional advantage of exfoliating, cleansing and improving the skin.

Who would benefit from Thai Hot Stem Massage?
• Clients looking for general relaxation treatments
• Clients wanting to detox/purge impurities from their body
• Clients with joint pain, stiffness, discomfort
• Clients who do not have any sensitivities to fragrance, herbs,heat or who are pregnant or suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure

*This therapy can be done as a FACIAL compress for sinus congestion!

 The stems used for this treatment are a blend of several specific herbs, which are then bound in unbleached, natural cotton.

Clients are encouraged to take their stems home after the treatments. The stems can be enjoyed in various ways. If stored properly, the stems will last approximately one month or up to 3 months if frozen.

2. Indie Head Massage: A form of Massage based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing systems which focuses on the muscles and connective tissues of the face, neck, scalp, upper back and shoulder area. The techniques used, which originated over 1000 years ago in East Indie culture, are both soothing and invigorating at the same time. Who doesn't love a good scalp massage! Indie Head Massage is used to reduce stress and improve tissue health and circulation. Techniques are aimed at promoting relaxation while effectively easing muscle pains. It is especially useful in treating migraines, sinus inflammation and anxiety. *Note: can be done with OR without the use of oils!

3. Hot Stone Massage: Heated smooth, flat basalt stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The heat of the stones warm and relax the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:

• Back pain and aches
• Poor circulation
• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Insomnia 

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Healthy Snacks?

There was some talk this week at our healthy nutrition class about 'what are healthy snacks'? My views on this have certainly changed over the years because I try to view a snack like i would all other meals - making choices from nutrient dense foods that will fuel my body and get me the fuel I need to get through until my next meal (stable energy, stable blood sugar levels, stable mood). I know this sounds boring, but it's out of necessity! Keeping up with 3 kids, exercise and several 'jobs' keeps me motivated to feel at my best (most) of the time.

Here is a picture of a popular mid-morning 'snack' at my house when I'm home with my 3 year old. You've got your healthy fats in the avocado, some protein in the eggs and a side of veggies to fill me up. A little drizzle of balsamic, some olive oil and sea salt. Simple. My daughter loves it. When I'm at work I usually have a container of greens with a protein like chicken, turkey muffins, tuna or black beans. Sometimes I snack on leftovers from dinner, but I try to top it up with more greens. I always try to have some kind of baked good in the freezer - usually a paleo loaf or muffin of some kind, so on occasion I will grab a slice of lemon walnut loaf (see Janet Jacks book Discover the Power of Foods) pumpkin loaf and slather on some almond butter as a snack - depends what I'm craving.

When I think of the popular 'snack' foods like granola bars (pre-packaged), fruit yogurts, muffins (commercially prepared) or cookies I just see 'sugar bombs' - they will lead to huge spikes in blood sugar followed by a rapid drop leaving you feeling unsatisfied, tired, and craving more of the same! This creates a vicious cycle of cravings, overeating and sugar addiction.


I really encourage people to think about veggies and how to incorporate them into their snacks, otherwise it becomes a challenge to fit in the recommended amount (10 servings) throughout the day! Toss some into a smoothie, serve some sauteed greens on the side of your eggs, add them into your soups and sauces, or have them fresh in a salad. Get creative! The other thing to think about is protein - try to include it in your snacks to provide you to sustainable energy!
Happy Snacking!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

My Current Favorite Pantry Staples!

I'm a little obsessed with these two items at the moment. Sometimes when we get bored with our flavors it's nice to experiment with something a little different:
1. Smoked Paprika
I've been adding this to things like soups, hummus, guacamole, dips and eggs. It gives the food a depth of flavor that is very different. It's changed the taste of my hummus for the better, and last night I added it to Black Bean Soup - heavenly

2. Wakame Flakes
We know that we don't get enough sea vegetables in our diets (which are a great source of iodine for our thyroid glands), nor do we get enough minerals. This simple addition adds both. I throw 1-2 tbsp of these flakes into all my broths/soups (which adds a mild saltiness and rich flavor), pasta sauces and quinoa salads. Nobody notices, which means my kids are eating it up without knowing. Wonderful!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Mineral-Rich 'Hug-in-a-Mug'....Yum!

We know our kids don't get the same amount of minerals as past generations have - our food unfortunately is not grown in the same mineral-rich soils (over-harvesting and over-production), processed foods and grains which have stripped the nutrients from our food, the hybridization of grains that have changed their composition, and having moved away from our traditional nourishing diets (organ meats, bone broths, unpasteurized milk, good fats etc).

What can we do? Making bone broths is a great strategy, but you may find you don't have the time to do it regularly (I know I don't). This is one of my favorite 'quick' methods of getting those minerals into my kids that supposedly is as dense as bone broths (and they LOVE it - they call it their 'hug in a mug'). I offer this most mornings before breakfast to warm them up - add 1-2 TBSP Mineral Matrix (by St. Francis) into a mug, top 3/4 with boiling water, and the other 1/4 with organic cream/milk/almond milk and 1 tsp honey/maple syrup and serve. YUM!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Reflections of the past year and EXCITED for 2015!

I recently had some time to reflect back on the past year - I've been hearing from several people that they felt 2014 was a real time of change, growth and learning, and I must say the same was true for myself. Both professionally and personally I felt that 2014 was a real stepping stone towards a more focused, self-actualized life...perhaps some of this is just age and life experience!
I had the chance to sharpen my skills in several areas and also to appreciate what I do and see the huge impact that it can have on patients, friends and my own family.
Surprisingly, I had some real fulfillment in certain unexpected areas - for example, some of my most rewarding cases this year were treating chronically constipated children! There's nothing better than seeing the relief in a parent that has had to witness an uncomfortable child for weeks/months on end, not to mention the change in the child! Many of these children started to exhibit very negative behavior around bathroom visits, so being able to reverse their fear, stomach pain and general comfort was very rewarding (not to mention knowing that we reversed the potential for life-long digestive complaints and lowered the risk for chronic disease and illness).
My other area of real fulfillment was helping several of my fertility patients achieve healthy pregnancies. Being a mother myself, and knowing that it does not come easily to many women makes this an area of extreme satisfaction - there's nothing greater than witnessing the miracle of pregnancy and birth, and also being able to meet the babies once they are born! I hope to continue working with women to improve fertility using specific nutrition, acupuncture and lifestyle interventions (and of course working with the babies to set them up for great health)!
I have to say however that life is still very much pulling me in the direction of 'prevention', which means working with people to make small interventions that result in big changes. Specifically nutrition and general fitness. I seem to be working more and more with moms, as they try to find balance and restore their own health (and that of their family's) after life, work, stress and obligations get in the way! They are often look for weight-loss, fitness ideas, menu planning and and increase in energy levels. I find it extremely rewarding working in this area because I notice that moms are often the cornerstone of health in the family - they are the ones scheduling medical and dental appointments, menu planning and grocery shopping. Moms have such a huge capacity to change the health of the entire family, which also seems to trickle down into the extended family (their own parents, siblings etc). I will continue reaching out to this amazing population of women, and am in the process of creating an exciting new program for them that should be ready for this spring (stay tuned:)
I'm also very excited and honored to be part of the Life Watchers course at the Goodness Me store that recently opened...I really think it's going to change lives in Barrie, and from the traffic that the store is getting it seems like Barrie was in need of a store like this! Can't wait to meet all the new patients and students that are motivated to make some amazing new changes in their lives! I hope you are as pumped and motivated for 2015 as I am - may you all embrace
the adventures that await you, and when life gives you lemons, make some lemonade (with a pinch of cayenne and maple syrup)!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Paleo Gingerbread

Here's one of my favorite holiday recipes. I try to mix it up between the 'traditional' baking and the 'healthier' options. This paleo gingerbread is incredibly rich and moist with many Christmas flavors in it - it fills the house with the smells of orange, ginger and cloves. It's amazing. The recipe is a little complex with the number of ingredients but is really simple to make.
 
Paleo gingerbread

1 large orange
1/2 cup candied ginger
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts
2 cups almond meal
1 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 teaspoon each ground ginger, cloves and allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 eggs
*1/2 cup plain full fat yogurt (OPTIONAL! If you are a strict paleo use 1/2 cup applesauce and add a 1/2 cup more almond flour)

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare 8 x 8 inch baking pan by coating lightly with oil and dusting with flour. Set aside.

Cut orange in half. Squeeze juice from full orange and reserve in 1 cup measuring cup. To orange juice add molasses and vanilla. Add enough yogurt to make one full cup. Set aside.

Place orange rinds in bowl of food processor along with ginger, dates, cranberries and walnuts. Pulse until chunky paste results. Set aside.

In medium bowl measure flours, baking soda and powder, sea salt and spices. Mix together well. Set aside.

In large bowl combine eggs, honey and coconut oil. Beat well for 3 minutes. Add yogurt/orange juice mixture and beat another 3 minutes.

Add flour mixture to egg mixture and beat until smooth. Fold in processed fruit and nut mixture and gently mix until just combined.

Pour mixture into prepared 8 x 8 baking pan.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Test cake with toothpick to make sure it is baked all the way through.

Remove from oven and let cool before cutting.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!