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, check out Stephanies writings about Art Therapy under the Choices Market Nutritional Articles

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.

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:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Depressed immune system
• Digestive Disorders
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Increased frustration
• Increased PMS
• Tense muscles
• Insomnia

Shannon Larson R.Ac. 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. 

Shannon Larson BFA, R.Ac., Doula,  Registered  Acupuncturist

Shannon holds a diploma of Dr. of Chinese Medicine from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver. Her studies in Chinese Medicine include clinical practice for her Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the China Medical University and Hospital in Taiwan. While Shannon’s interest in Chinese Medicine is wide ranging, her passion for women’s health has led her to pursue training in workshops by some of the world’s leaders in Chinese Medicine for fertility and obstetrics including Sharon Weizenbaum, Bob Flaws, Debra Betts and Jane Lyttleton. Shannon is also a member of the Acumamas team providing acupuncture during labour as well as doula services.

I love Chinese Medicine because it offers an alternative approach to treating health. It responds to the body as a whole. It sees a relationship between the health of the mind and the rest of the body rather than treating them as disconnected from one another. Acupuncture fascinates me because I am constantly amazed at the body’s own power to heal itself.

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

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

~ Written by Katolen Yardley…

Having just returned home from a restorative meandering journey down the Oregon Coast and time away at a retreat. I had the opportunity to see the majestic, ancient Redwood forests and stood in awe of these massive trees - some exceptional species towering HIGHER than the empire state building (over 360 feet tall), with a girth - stretching in diameter over 20 feet. Known as the tallest trees on earth, some trees in old growth forests live to be over 2200 years old. These remarkable trees can withstand insect decay, fungus infestation and are largely resistant to fire (due to their high tannin content).

Again I am reminded by how much nature has to teach us about health, growth and the wisdom shared by observing the cycles of healing found in nature. The annual new growth (1-2 inches) was evident on all trees in the forests, with pine trees showing off their bright new green tips and the leaves of trees a lush bright green color, signs of the spring, signs of new life.

Nature has much to teach us about optimal health and of healing; those very lessons are consistent even with the health of our human body. Our body is acted upon by the same ‘forces’ or vital energy which is present in all living things, the cycles of growth and decay are also similar. We are continually casting off old dead cells, old ways of being and taking in the new, provided that there is opportunity and the body is supported with adequate tools in which to conduct itself towards healing (optimal nutrition, rest, clean air, exercise -to name a few).

The cycles of the seasons remind of us of the cycles necessary for optimal health. Any improved state of health first is met with a period of hibernation. In the case of nature, winter is the time when trees rest, there is no creation of sap, nor leaf or fruit. Instead trees and many animals enter a state of dormancy, their ‘vital energy’ goes inward, time of hibernation when there is little change in physical appearance, not much visibly seems to happen on the surface. Misleading however, the greatest change is occurring just below the surface (and perhaps the most powerful changes and forces exist in forms not visible to the eye) Think of the radio waves, phone waves, electricity and heat waves; all are extremely powerful, yet we cannot visibly see these forces with our eyes, AND they are energies which we clearly reap the benefits of).

Similarly, vital energy flows within in all living things and is cumulated during times of rest - less output and more time to cultivate the strength and reserves for something new; it is the building up of a force of energy in which to overthrow the old and bring in the new. In the case of nature, spring is the time of “the new” - once again sap flows forth, with fresh, supple buds and fruit is supplied every summer. Animals shed their winter coat, bringing forth a new shiny, pelt. Winter is often the time for colds, an internal cleansing, and a time when we should rest. If we continue to practice overwork when rest is the natural inclination for healing, we further weaken our reserves.

In terms of herbal medicine the quote by Prentice Mulford sums it up very well

“the quality in the plant’s leaf, root or berry which taken as medicine, acts on the internal organs, is the force in that plant…The newer the bud…when used medicinally contains the most active force, principle and quality of that plant. The choicest and strongest tea is made of the topmost and tenderest buds of the plant.”

Many medicinal plants make the useful, potent medicines when leaves are gathered in the time of the spring.

In the case of our own healing, observing the wisdom of nature can remind us of the natural cycles of our own healing. An improved state of health often occurs in a step wise manner; first met with a time of rest, a noticeable plateau, a time where there is much going on below / under the surface, - (it can even a time when things seem to be worsening or nothing seems to be occurring). Give thanks, for these plateau periods are the time when our bodies vital energy is recuperating from overwork and re directed towards improving the state of things. Healing often occurs in a step wise manner, or in a cycle with periods of improvement (the spring) and then entering into a period of hibernation (the winter months)- or a plateau time, and the internal vital energy again builds its reserves for a future time of new growth.

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 10 herbs in detail. For general interest and for professionals desiring an introductory course on plant based medicine.

Time: 10-4 pm Cost: $ 159.00

Course Dates: 1 weekend / Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, 2010

Location: Langara College # 100- West 49 Avenue Vancouver

To Register Call: Langara College Continuing Studies at 604-323-5322 or 604-323-5918

Course Number: 60126

Instructor Profile: Katolen Yardley, MNIMH is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Owner of Alchemy & Elixir Health Group and Wellness Centre in Vancouver, she has been in the Holistic Health field since 1993, with over 8 years of clinical experience. Since 1998, Katolen appears monthly on Global Television morning news, where she offers herbal information to the public. She has been a guest teacher at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, has presented at global conferences and appeared in print in numerous journals and health magazines. Katolen’s personal interest in health lies with the emotional connection to wellness and dis-ease, nervous system disorders and women’s health issues. She believes in providing usable tools for healing through inspiration and education.

For more information visit:

www.alchemyelixir.com

 www.katolenyardley.com

Written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Herbal medicine offers invaluable aid for chronic digestive disorders as well as common symptoms of overeating including heart burn, indigestion, cramping and bloating. As most herbal medicines are taken orally, they come into direct contact with the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, offering quick relief. Herbal medicines offer gentle, non-habit forming alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications and are suitable for long term aid. The medical actions of herbs are often categorized into groups according to their therapeutic action.

Digestive stimulants help to increase or improve digestive activities. Two of the main categories of stimulant herbs are bitters and hepatics (herbs which support the liver). Bitters have been used traditionally, sipped before meals. Herbal bitters act to stimulate the release of gastric juice and digestive enzymes for optimal digestion. They also help to increase appetite. Bitters have a general tonic action on digestion, stimulating the body’s self repair mechanisms. Some bitter herbs include wormwood, centaury, yarrow and gentian. Bitter herbs are consumed in small amounts and should not be ingested in conditions of excess stomach acid or ulcers. Hepatics are herbs that strengthen tone and support the liver. The liver is our primary organ for cleansing and detoxification, facilitating the deactivation of hormones, drugs, food additives and pollutants. The liver is involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also involved in both the synthesis of cholesterol and its breakdown into bile salts. In addition, the liver provided storage for fat soluble vitamins. Examples of Hepatic herbs include: dandelion root, wild yam root, yellow dock root.

Digestive Relaxants, in contrast, help to reduce over-activity and relax tissues. These herbs are used in a clinic environment to reduce bloating and stomach distension. Carminative herbs are plants that contain volatile oils, the component of the plant that imparts the familiar fragrant/aromatic scent associated with many dried herbs. Their main action in digestion is to soothe and settle the gut wall, ease cramping and expel wind from the stomach and intestines, while providing gentle anti spasmodic properties. Some common carminative herbs containing a characteristic scent include caraway seed, fennel seed, peppermint leaf, ginger root and anise seed.

Herbal medicines are gentle and ideal for incorporating into one’s daily routine. Digestive herbs can be used in either tea or tincture form. An adult general dosage for herbal teas is 1 tsp. of the herb for every cup of boiled water, steeped for 15 minutes; 3-4 cups daily will provide a medicinal dose. When using tinctures, the dosage varies depending upon the herbs used. A standard adult dose is generally 2-3 ml taken 2-3 times daily.

Katolen Yardley, MNIMH is a Medical Herbalist in private practice at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver, BC. www.alchemyelixir.com or www.katolenyardley.com 

Taught by Julia McKinley, EFT- Adv

Time: 6:00-7:30, Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

DETAILS: Tap away food cravings with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), an energy based therapy that uses simple tapping on acupressure points along with focused thought and visualization. Learn how cravings and negative emotions are linked to energy blockages within our energy meridian system. Bring your favourite “problem food” that you would like to eliminate cravings for. You will learn how to use EFT and gain an understanding of how our mind and body’s connect to create cravings and overeating. We will address underlying emotional connections to food and working in a supportive, relaxed and fun group environment we will learn and practise using EFT for our food cravings and related Weight loss issues.

Julia McKinley is a certified EFT practitioner practising from Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in the West End of Vancouver. Julia assists clients in working with their energy and emotions to eliminate pain, problems and negative emotions from their lives. With EFT, the focus is on whole person and on reducing, stress, anxiety, limiting beliefs and painful memories that may be underlying the client’s problems and holding them back from fully realizing their potential for health, happiness and success in life.

LOCATION: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, 320-1026 Davie Street, Vancouver

TIME: 6:00-7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED as space is limited. Please call (778)-846-2176 and speak to Julia at Healing Flower Therapy or call (604)-683-2298 for Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, please leave a message if you reach our voice mail.

PRICE: 10$ will be collected at the door, cash or cheque only. Julia can be contacted either through the website www.alchemyelixir.com or e-mail julia.mckinley@healingflowertherapy.com 

Qi Kung means “working with energy” or life-force. Qi Kung is a meditative practice, closely associated with the theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of subtle energy [”Qi” or “prana”] within the nervous system. This enhances the overall physical, emotional and spiritual strength of the practitioner. It is both healing and creates a felt, wholesome and meaningful connection with the universe.

In this class we will be doing Qi Kung “Resource Building”, which is about cultivating and expressing energy within your body and the foundational exercises for “Buddha Palm”, which is a powerful form Qi Kung for self-healing.

1 hour Qi Kung practice every Monday morning from 10 am (sharp) - 11 am.

Open to all - by suggested donation $10. Space is limited - preregistration required!

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, 320 1026 Davie St. Vancouver

To register email Matthew at: hiimori.windhorse@gmail.com

About the instructor, Matthew Richards…

Matthew has been interested in healing and counseling techniques for many years. This interest led him to complete a Masters in Philosophy from University of Ottawa [1997] with a particular thematic emphasis on communication, expression, ethics and issues around human embodiment. What resonated with him then, as now, were philosophies or “world-views” that stressed Affirmation and that had pragmatic and therapeutic applications. A spiritual awakening led him to begin formal studies and practice in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in 1995. In this religion Matthew finally found the system of healing and efficacious care for others he had been seeking my entire life. Since 1999, he has been formally teaching Buddhist meditation, thought and practice at temples in Canada and in the U.S.

 ~ written by Romina Taheri, Registered Acupuncturist in private practice at Alchemy & Elixit Health Group, Vancouver

TCM is the oldest continually practiced and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. Through this balance health is achieved and maintained.

The relationship between emotional stress and illness

According to TCM , an imbalance of energy (Qi) in a particular channel of energy or organ system can cause physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Emotions are mental stimuli that influence our body. Under normal situations they do not cause a disease. However, when they become excessive or when they are held on to over long period of time, they can become causes of illness. A very interesting feature of TCM is that the state of the internal organs affect our emotions. In other words, emotions can also result from an imbalance of the flow of energy and blood of the internal organs. It is therefore believed that each internal organ has a positive mental energy with certain characteristic and when they are affected by external stimuli, their normal flow disturbs and turns to an abnormal flow. In this view, emotions can be the cause or the symptom of a disorder.

• Anger affects the liver
• Joy affects the heart
• Anxiety affects the spleen
• Sadness affects the lung
• Fear affects the kidneys

What is acupuncture?

The technique of acupuncture involves placing hair-thin needles in various pressure points (called acupoints) throughout the body. Stimulating these points is believed to promote the body’s natural healing capabilities and enhance its function.

Why acupuncture works?

According to TCM the body can become healthy by balancing its flow of energy (Qi). This vital energy flows like river along pathways, or meridians, throughout the body. However, this flow can sometimes be blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam. A disruption in the flow of energy can lead to illness. Approximately 2,000 different acupuncture points lie along the body’s channels of energy. The idea behind acupuncture is that stimulating these points with acupuncture needles or pressure relieves obstructions in the flow of energy, enabling the body to heal.

What is Ear Acupuncture?

Auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture is similar to body acupuncture but with an stimulation only to the external ear. It is a method of treating a variety of physiological and psychological health problems by the stimulation of certain acupuncture points on the external ear.

Today many practitioners use ear acupuncture based on the integration of 2 different models. Classical ear acupuncture that is based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine and another model based on the research of the French physician Dr. Nogier in 1950.

Join us for your Group Auricular Acupuncture treatments on Saturdays (pre-booked by appointment )from 10-11 am. To book your appointment please email us at info@alchemyelixir.com

Acupuncture for stress management from the Western medicine point of view

Research has indicated that acupuncture can be of therapeutic value in the management of stress, anxiety, depression and associated health problems. Psycholoical health problems like anxiety and depression are thought to be due to low levels of mood enhancing brain chemicals called dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and GABA. Research has indicated that acupuncture can help to boost these mood lifting chemicals. Research has also indicated that acupuncture can influence the sympathetic nerve activity and lower stress. Excess stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by chronic stress is known to cause the chronic excess release of stress hormones like cortisol which can interfere with brain chemicals like serotonin and other mood enhancing chemicals and makes us more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, anger, etc.

References:

Giovanni Maciocia, 2005. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. and Oleson, 1998. Auricular Therapy Manual: Chinese and Western system of ear acupuncture.

To book a clinic appointment with Romina Taheri, R. Ac.or for more information on Auricular Acupuncture and Acupuncture, visit our website at www.alchemyelixir.com

Creating healing relationships through healing touch…

Target Audience

Healing Touch is a nursing based continuing education program for registered nurses, physicians, body therapists, counselors, psycho-therapists, other health professionals, and individuals desiring an in-depth understanding and practice of healing work using energy based concepts.

Healing Touch Program Description

A course of study toward a certificate of completion in Healing Touch (HT) which in-corporates a variety of basic to advanced healing modalities. The program is sequenced in 6 levels allowing participants to move from beginner to advanced practitioner, expert and instructor. Certification as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor is available on application following completion of course work and additional requirements.

Level I Description

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 Level I Course Content

• Energy system concepts related to health

• Basics of the energy system, energy field and energy centers

• Location and function of the chakras

• Assessment of the energy field and energy centers

• Meditation for centering and maintaining energetic flow

• Principles and practice of Healing Touch

• Selected intervention techniques: Basic Healing Touch Sequence, Magnetic Passes, Magnetic Clearing, Chakra Connection (1 on 1, 2 on 1, self), Headache Techniques (tension, migraine, sinus), Ultra Sound, Laser, Chakra Spread, Scudder (Optional), Mind Clearing (Optional)

• Principles of self-healing

• Personal development as a healer

• Legal and professional aspects of touch therapies

(16-18) Continuing Education Contact Hours

Workshop Dates: January 23 & 24, 2010 Time: 9-6 pm

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

Coordinator: Betty Petersen Phone: phone: (403) 474 7399

Email: therapeuticbalancing@gmail.com

Instructor: Betty Petersen, RN, BSCN, HTCP/I Betty has many years of nursing and teaching experience. She is a Certified Spiritual Healer, Certified Educational Kinesiology Consultant and Instructor and is Past President of the Canadian Holistic Nursing Association (CHNA). Betty has completed level 3 of the CHNA Specialization Program and has studied a variety of other energy therapies, which she uses in her independent nursing practice, Therapeutic Balancing in Calgary, Alberta.

Pricing for Tuition:

 Regular Tuition - $333

 HTPA or CHNA Member Tuition - $308

 Student/Repeat/Senior - $225

 EARLY DISCOUNT BY DEC 1, 2009 -$308  Register Early! Enrollment Limited!

Prepayment and preregistration required!  Can you bring a massage table?

Make checks payable to: c/o Betty Petersen

Send payment to: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, 320-1026 Davie St, Vancouver, V6E 1M3

for more information www.healingtouchprogram.com

http://www.healingtouchcalgary.com/

http://www.energymagazineonline.com/

http://www.healingtouchassociationofcanada.org/

Healing Touch Program is an international, multi level educational program in energy based medicine. The Healing Touch Program curriculum progresses from beginning to advanced practice. AS a professionally accredited program, the curriculum encompasses increasing levels of practice and techniques, standards of care, code of ehtics and scope of practice. Healing Touch is endorsed by the American and Canadian Holistic Nurses Association, and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

LEARN A FRESH FOUNDATION, RAW FOOD HEALTH SECRETS & tips to help increase energy, mental focus, sleep well, release weight, save money, the environment and look & feel fantastic!

TASTE delicious, easy recipes the whole family (&your body) will love!

EXPERIENCE healthy, organic, gourmet, nutrient-dense meals

RAW FOOD TO LIVE FOR – INTRO TO LIVE FOODS

You will leave this class, inspired, motivated & with the knowledge of how to begin eating raw & make delicious meals for yourself others.

Experience: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & desserts. Bring your appetite!

9 gourmet dishes provided!

WHEN: Sunday, February 7th, 2010 from 2-6 pm

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

INVESTMENT: reg.$150/person *EARLY BIRDS Just $100/person + GST

REGISTER BEFORE DEC 31, 2009 & SAVE $50/person! (all prices exclusive of GST)

REGISTER TODAY: http://www.rawfoundation.ca/Classes_Events_BDXT.html 

OR CALL Janice at 778.839.8424

Nationally recognized Live-Foods Health Chef & owner of RAW Foundation Culinary Arts Institute, Janice Skoreyko inspires & motivates, people to build a solid foundation of sound nutrition principles & the healthiest eating habits with fast, easy, delicious recipes from the vibrant world of living foods. Come, learn to prepare gourmet recipes quickly, simply, & bursting with flavor! Space is limited. Preregistration and prepayment required. Register today!