• Upcoming Seminars and Workshops
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Upcoming Seminars and Workshops

Many of our seminars are co sponsored with Choices Market. Check out their weekly specials on organic foods. Many of our practitioners are regular contributing writers to the Choices Markets Newsletters.

Herbal Medicine for Common Skin Conditions

Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

We will cover a general overview of the function fo the skin, coupled with learning the actions and application of key herbs for the skin: herbal alteratives, blood cleansers, vulernaries, and anti inflammatory herbs in terms of supporting common skin conditions (from acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, wound healing, and common first aid). An interactive evening, combined with herb tasting and fun! Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist. Co sponsored with Choices Market.

Time: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 ~ from 6:00- 7:30 pm hours

Cost: $ 10 cash or cheque at the door. All materials and handouts provided.

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St. Vancouver, BC. V6E 1M3

Space is limited: Pre-registration and prepayment is required. Call 604-683-2298 or email at info@alchemyelixir.com to register.

Acupuncture and Stress Lecture - taught by Shannon Larson R.Ac.

Stress is a natural and non-specific response our body experiences when faced with emotional or physical demands. It is a defense mechanism that was essential in our ancestry: Our fight or flight response. It protected us from predators and helped us carry on our life line. However, compared to our ancestors, in today’s culture we deal with many more stressors on a day to day basis. We see more negative stress induced on our bodies and our physical and mental health are paying the price. It can manifest in various ways such as:

Shannon Larson BFA, R.Ac., Doula, Registered Acupuncturist will be providing a talk about how acupuncture can address these symptoms and offer a drug-free approach is to reducing the negative impacts of stress. Find out how Shannon’s unique approach can help you attain optimal health in all facets of your life. For more information visit www.alchemyelixir.com

Dates: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Cost: $ 10 cash at the door. (Co sponsored with Choices Market)

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St. Vancouver, BC. V6E 1M3

Space is limited: Pre-registration is required.

For more information and register for the class email: shannon@vancouvertcm.com or call Shannon directly at: 778-233-0074

Herbal Medicine Making Class

Instructor: Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Discover the healing benefits of herbal medicine and further your knowledge of holistic health. This course is an introduction to the realm of plant medicine. Topics covered include: science based theory, safety, traditional use, first aid application and home application of common local plants. Learn to identify and recognize common local medicinal plants, master techniques of blending medicinal teas, prepare herbal salves and herbal vinegars and gain confidence to use herbal medicine for common health complaints. Acquire the practical knowledge of herbal medicine through a hands-on approach of integrating herbal medicine use into your home. Time will be spent learning 15 herbs in detail. For general interest, a hands-on learning course and for professionals desiring an introductory course on plant based medicine.

Time: 10-4 pm Cost: $ 100.00 plus HST

Course Dates: 1 weekend / Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, 2010

Location: # 320- 1026 Davie St. Vancouver BC, V6E 1M3

To Register Call: 604 683 2298 or email info@alchemyelixir.com

ART THERAPY: A TIME FOR PLAY AND HEALING

An Experiential Workshop taught by Stephanie Harper, BA, DVATI, BCATR ~Art Therapist

Come and play with paint! Join a small group to explore and express yourself through spontaneous painting. This experiential workshop will allow you to learn about Art Therapy in an intimate and safe setting. I will lead the group on a guided meditation and visualization and then let you lead your Self on a journey with paint and paper. You might find the experience fun, relaxing, surprising and revealing! No art experience necessary.

To read more about Art Therapy, check out Stephanie’s article:
http://www.choicesmarket.com/pdfs/nutritionarticles/ArtTherapy_1007.pdf

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Cost: $ 10 cash at the door. To cover fees for materials

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St. Vancouver, BC. V6E 1M3

Co sponsored with Choices Market

Space is limited: Maximum 6 people per group. Pre-registration is required.

For more information and register for the class email: stephanie@alchemyelixir.com or call Stephanie directly at: 778-988-1312.

Regular Ongoing Workshops

Herbal Medicine Making

An introduction to herbal medicine taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist. We will cover traditional use and a hands-on approach to integrating herbal medicine into your household. Master techniques of blending herbal teas; make infused oils and herbal vinegars. Gain confidence in using herbal medicine for common health complaints, and general first aid. Time will be spent learning 5 herbs in detail and working hands-on with the plants.

Space is limited: Pre-registration and prepayment is required. Call 604-683-2298 or email at info@alchemyelixir.com for upcoming dates.

Traditional Thai Massage - Level 1 Certification Course ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method

In the first segment of the Traditional Thai Massage Level 1 program, students learn the concept of initiating ‘energy’ movement through the body. Meridians, main energy lines, pressure points and various manifestations of the body’s physical, psychological and spiritual balance are all introduced. Additional emphasis in this massage is placed on deeply focused abdominal work. Upon completion of this course, students will learn a total of 63-massage based techniques, combined with Thai Yoga Stretch positions. Applying these same techniques, students and will be able to perform a complete 60-min. massage on a client in the supine and sitting positions.

Students will have the opportunity to both practice and receive Thai Massage by fellow students.

Pre-requisite: None / No previous massage experience required - for both general interest and professional continuing education hours. This course is useful for: All Private/Personal Trainers who work with clients in Pilates, Resistance Training, Yoga and Massage Practitioners of all types. Educational Credits: 24 CMTBC CEU’s and 24 BCPRA CEC’s.

Date:4- Thursdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30 & Oct. 7, 2010 /9:30AM - 4:30PM each day
Course Cost: $495 (includes gst & course materials) / Credit Card payments accepted
Course Instructor: Sharon Brown-Horton call to register at: 604.773.2645
On-Line Registration and more information: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com

Traditional Thai Massage - Level 2: Certification Course ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method

4-Thursdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30 & Oct. 7, 2010 /9:30AM - 4:30PM each day

Traditional Thai Massage - Level 2: Certification Course" ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method

For the student who is interested in a more in-depth application of energetic systems, Level 2 Traditional Thai Massage is the next step. Deeper sensitivity and awareness combined with new theory and techniques using thumbs, palm, elbows, knees and feet create a dynamic repertoire for application by the student. This internship will continue the massage to the positions of Traditional Thai Massage to the Side-Lying, Back and Sitting positions, review and more detail of introductory class work, followed by work on the whole body, including the techniques required to perform a 1 hour or 2 hour massage. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform a combination of 73 new full body 'Nuad Bo Rarn' Traditional Thai Massage and Thai Yoga stretch techniques (including acupressure points on the feet, hands and face) that may be added on to previously learned techniques as learned in the Traditional Thai Massage - Level 1 course.

Students will have the opportunity to both practice and receive Thai Massage by fellow students.

Pre-requisite: Level 1 Traditional Thai Massage - for both general interest and professional continuing education hours. This course is useful for: All Private/Personal Trainers who work with clients in Pilates, Resistance Training, Yoga and Massage Practitioners of all types. Educational Credits: 24 CMTBC CEU’s and 24 BCPRA CEC’s.

4-Wednesdays; 2010
November 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2010 / 10 am – 5:00pm each day

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St. Vancouver, BC V6E 1M3

Course Cost: $495 (includes gst & course materials)

Payment: To register a $50 non-refundable deposit guarantees your space. The balance of $425 may be split into 2-payments: $222.50 on the first day of the course and $222.50 on the last day of the course.

Payment options: Visa, Mastercard or Cheques Course

Conductor/Contact: Sharon Brown-Horton 604.773.2645

On-Line Registration and more information: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com

Thai Foot Reflexology Massage ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method

Learn how to perform an Authentic Thai Foot Reflexology service that your clients will love. This 60 - 75 minute sequence can be performed with the client on a massage table or in a chair (as done in Thailand!). Your step-by-step guidebook will keep you on the right track as you put your new skills to work without delay! Certificates will be issued upon course completion.

Foot Reflexology is an ancient form of Chinese Massage. It has been used for more than 3,000 years. In this course, students will learn how to perform a 60-minute Thai Foot Reflexology and lower leg Massage that incorporates the use of a wooden tool to stimulate fifty-eight reflexology points on the feet directly linked to the body’s internal organs. This method is combined with thirty-one cream-based massage techniques using hands, palms and fingers to relax lower leg muscles as well as the foot and to stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

Pre-requisite: None / No previous massage experience required - for both general interest and professional continuing education hours. This course is useful for: All Private/Personal Trainers who work with clients in Pilates, Resistance Training, Yoga and Massage Practitioners of all types or simply for general interest. Educational Credits: 8 CMTBC CEU’s and 8 BCPRA CEC’s.

Date: 2-Thursdays, Oct. 21 & 28, 2010 / 12 - 4:30PM each day
Course Cost: $295 (includes gst & course materials) / Credit Card payments accepted
Course Instructor: Sharon Brown-Horton call to register at 604.773.2645
On-Line Registration and more information: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com

CMTBC CEU's: Registered Massage Therapists take our Thai Yoga Massage and Thai Reflexology courses that have been reviewed and accredited by the College of Massage Therapist of British Columbia. Continuing Educational Units (CEU's) are awarded to each course, depending on length of course and details, etc. BCRPA CEC's: B.C. Recreation & Parks Association; Continuing Educational Credits (CEC's): ALL fitness leaders registered with the BCRPA will be awarded credits - includes Personal Trainers, Weight Trainers, Yoga Instructors, Group Fitness Instructors, etc. –the Thai Massage and Reflexology courses do not need to be directly linked to what the individual does in order to receive credits for attendance.

Cleansing and Detoxification Workshops

We cover everything you need to know about cleansing and detoxification including: commonly asked questions: what is cleansing and detoxification? Why should one cleanse? How does one properly detoxify the body? What are the benefits of cleansing? How does one cleanse safely? Plus: steps to boost the immune system, signs and symptoms of toxicity and a toxic check list of products to avoid at all cost. Learn ways of supporting our bodies’ organs of elimination (the lymph, liver, kidneys, colon and skin) plus effective herbal medicines used for cleansing, the buildup and breakdown foods, and acidity and alkaline support. Taught by : Sharon Green, RHN, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical herbalist For upcoming course dates contact the centre at: info@alchemyelixir.com

Grocery Store Label Reading and Healthy Food Choices

Our registered holistic Nutritionist, Sharon Green, RHN, offers regular grocery store shopping tours at Choices Market~ educating our clients on how to properly read labels and make healthy food choices and how to choose food options for restricted and/or modified diets. For more information contact the centre at: info@alchemyelixir.com for upcoming dates.

Healing Touch Program: Level 1 Certification

Level 1 begins with 16-18 continuing education contact hours of instruction, allowing persons with varying backgrounds to enter, acknowledge their previous learning and to further develop concepts and skills in energy-based therapy. A strong commitment to personal growth is required.

The participant will learn how to: Describe the human energy system relationship to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Discuss energy principles basic to HT. Assess the energy field and energy centers. Identify a basic Healing Touch sequence. Demonstrate specific intervention techniques used in Healing Touch. Discuss applications of Healing Touch in personal and professional practice. For more information contact the centre at: info@alchemyelixir.com for upcoming dates.

Healing Touch Program: Level 2 Certification

Level 2 is for students who have completed Level 1 and wish to increase breadth and depth in the study of Healing Touch. The second level of study in Healing Touch includes an intake interview, back techniques and a one-hour healing sequence. Emphasis in the experiential learning is on developing healing sequences for specific client needs. Level 2 Course Content includes: Review techniques from HT Level 1. Discuss applying techniques in clinical settings, including interviewing skills, recording observations, and documentation. Healing techniques: One-hour Healing Sequence, Spiral Meditation, Mind Clearing, Wound Closing, Pain Ridge, Pain Drain, Sealing Leaks, Back Techniques. Legal and professional aspects of touch therapies. For more information contact the centre at: info@alchemyelixir.com for upcoming dates.

"Quin-what?" De-mystifying Ancient Grains

‘ Quinoa’ what?’~ For everyone wanting to learn about whole grains-how to cook and prepare healthy meals. Cooking options for whole grains.

Quinoa, Kamut, Buckwheat, Millet, Barley, Wheat Berries, Kasha.... we have all heard these names before, however what are they and how are they used? Learn what these ancient grains are, instructions on how to cook them and how to use them. One of the integral ingredients to a wholesome diet is including complex carbohydrates into our dietary practices. Whole grains possess a significant nutritional impact and are a considerable source of insoluble fibre, which balances blood sugar levels and aid in digestion. Taught by Sharon Green, RHN, Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Email for upcoming dates: info@alchemyelixir.com

In The News

March, 2010 and onwards: Our Art Therapist, Stephanie Harper will be offering individual Art Therapy sessions at Friends for Life. Appointments will be available on Thursdays at 1 pm and 2:15 pm. Stephanie is greatly looking forward to offering Friends for Life members a rewarding and renewing journey inward through a spontaneous painting experience. No art experience is necessary! Members can book an appointment by calling the Friends For Life host at 604-682-5992, ext. 0.

November / December, 2009 Vancouver’s West End BIA featured a 2 page article on our centre and services. The article can be viewed here.

Nov 23/24, 2009~ Vancouver East Side Culture Crawl- our in house Art Therapist, Stephanie Harper is one of many artists sharing her talent and beautiful canvases at the Vancouver Eastside culture crawl. Read an interview of Stephanie, featured in 24 Hours Vancouver, a local Vancouver paper.

November 1, 2009 - Sharon Green our Registered Holistic Nutritionist will be speaking on ‘How to Read Food Labels’ at the Women’s Weight Loss & Wellness Conference. Come down and join the inspirational day! www.thinknbethin.com

Sept 27, 2009- the grand opening of our Vancouver office was well attended with many people from our community visiting our wellness centre. A sincere thank you to all the companies who contributed product, samples, and gift baskets to our opening including: Ferlow brothers, Thorne Research, Natural Factors, Rocky Mountain Grains, Navitas Naturals, and Manitoba Hemp Harvest.

Sept 9, 2009 Davie days ~ an annual local event, our tea of practitioners welcomed in Davie Days with promotions and products 45000 people attending to partake in music, art, and local businesses displays and specials.