“Thai Foot Reflexology Massage” ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method / 8 training time hours / 8 CMTBC CEU’s

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.

Banyan Thai Massage is proud to meet the exacting standards as set by the College of Massage Therapist of BC (CMTBC) as well as the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA). All courses we teach offer the Massage, Spa and Fitness Professional the Continuing Educational Credits they need for Membership Renewal each year. Educational Credits: 8 CMTBC CEU’s and 8 BCPRA CEC’s.

Date: 2 Tuesdays: July 27 & Aug 3, 2010

Time: 12 PM - 4:30 PM both days

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

Course Cost: $295 (includes gst & course materials). Credit Card payments are accepted.

Space is limited. Pre registration and prepayment required.

Course Instructor Sharon Brown Horton. For additional information contact: phone 604.773.2645

For on-line registration and more information visit: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com

“Traditional Thai Massage - Level 1″ ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method (24.0 teaching hours)

~ Taught by Sharon Brown Horton

In the first segment of the Traditional Thai Massage Level 1 program, students learn the concept of initiating ‘energy’ movement through the body. Meridiens, 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.

Course Materials: Students will be provided with the workbook “Nuad Bo Rarn” Ancient Massage of Thailand (Northern Style); ITM International Training Massage School, by Chongkol & Atchara Setthakorn.

Method of practice: This course will follow the ITM School of Chiang Mai, Thailand teaching methods and uses the same course materials.

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.

Banyan Thai Massage is proud to meet the exacting standards as set by the College of Massage Therapist of BC (CMTBC) as well as the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA). All courses we teach offer the Massage, Spa and Fitness Professional the Continuing Educational Credits they need for Membership Renewal each year.  Educational Credits: 24 CMTBC CEU’s and 24 BCPRA CEC’s. 

Dates: 4-Thursdays; July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2010Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day * space is limited. Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot.

Course Instructor: Sharon Brown Horton -for additional information contact: 604.773.2645

On-Line registration is available and for more information visit: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com   

 ~ written by Sharon Brown Horton, Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver, BC.

Originating over 2,500 years ago, Thai Massage is one of the world’s most ancient healing modalities which embraces the philosophy and practical expression of loving kindness. With its roots in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, it made its way in the early years of development to Southeast Asia. For centuries, it was performed by monks in the temples, called ‘Wats’, as one of four elements of indigenous Thai Medicine.

The Benefits

Traditional Thai Massage incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching and rhythmic compression to create a singular healing experience. As a result, this form of holistic body work harmonizes the body, relaxes tense muscles, increases energy, helps to re-align the body, relieves stress and promotes a peaceful mind.

The Method

Different from Western Massage methods, Thai Massage uses assisted yoga Asanas to open the joints and relieve the tension in surrounding muscles, which allows prana, chi, or healing energy to move more freely throughout the body. Not surprisingly, it is often referred to as the ‘lazy man’s yoga’! Thai Massage allows the receiver to experience a deepening of the Asana (yoga posture) through a deep and gentle assistance, opening the joints without the resistance created when using their own power. The use of gentle rocking, thumb pressure and rhythmic compression helps the body to be prepared for stretches, so that the recipient feels ‘invited’ to receive the stretch and the defence reactions of muscles tightening up are not triggered.

What to expect from your Thai Massage

Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor and the client typically wears light, loose fitting clothing – no oils are used. Not only are the hands used to free tension from the body, but Thai Massage Practitioners also use elbows, forearms and feet for interactive manipulation. Massage sessions can last from one hour, up to 2 hours or more. The treatment style is slow, deliberate, gentle, non-invasive and suitable for even the most fragile person. After a thorough health history review, the Thai Massage session is customized to suit the current needs of the body, mind and spirit.

Your Thai Massage Practitioner at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre

Over several years, Sharon Brown-Horton trained in Chiang Mai as well as Phi Phi Island inThailand. She holds her Thai Massage Certificates in Advanced Therapies, Sen Lines, Reflexology, as well as Traditional Thai Massage Affiliate Instructor with ITM of Chiang Mai ~ a school that is recognized with the Canadian Massage Therapy Association of BC . Currently, she offers her Thai Yoga Massage and Thai Foot Reflexology services at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group and Wellness Centre and teaches certification classes in Thai Yoga Massage (contact Sharon directly for her upcoming availability and certification class dates). With a background in Kinesiology and Health & Fitness, Sharon has been a nominee for the prestigious “YWCA Women of Distinction Award” in the category of Health & Wellness. With a background in Dance, Kinesiology and Spa Therapies, she has been a trainer, teacher and yoga practitioner for over 25 years and has been guest speaker at numerous events throughout North America, as well as St. Lucia and Tokyo. Her practice of Thai Yoga Massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being. This ancient healing work strives to remove obstacles on the path toward The Four Divine States of Mind: Loving Kindness, Vicarious Joy, Compassion and Equanimity.

~ “It is a privilege to touch a person and become a ‘conduit’ for sacred healing energy and I am honoured to be able to offer this Yoga-based healing to my clients. I truly believe that the practice of Traditional Thai Massage has greatly enhanced my life and I look forward to sharing its benefits with my clients at the “Alchemy & Elixir Wellness Centre” for many years to come.” – Sharon Brown-Horton

~written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

L’ glutamine is the most widely used amino acid within our bodies, found with in both the bloodstream and in muscle tissue. When the body is under extended stress, levels of glutamine can become depleted, resulting in needed supplementation from external sources.

Glutamine is used to produce protein, used for energy and as fuel for the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and for most cells in the body.

In the digestive tract glutamine is used to promote the healing of damaged cells by stimulating regeneration and growth for new healthy cell turnover, to minimise the effects of food sensitivities and allergies and to protect and help heal a leaky gut. Quality of glutamine is important. The best sources of glutamine are from fermented beets. Lower quality glutamine products are sourced from crab shells and by-products of glucosamine.

L’glutamine can offer the best health enhancement with taken during times of increased intestinal permeability (antibiotic use, leaky gut syndrome and times of extended stress). L’ glutamine can assist with enhancing energy levels, and an improved sense of wellbeing,

Dosage varies depending upon the reason used, although 500 mg taken 3-4 times daily is often a standard, recommended dosage. This supplement can be taken during the day or at night to support further healing during the sleep cycle.

For athletes, glutamine can help enhance recovery after a workout, healing due to overtraining. L’ glutamine helps to enhance immune system function, used as a fuel for white blood cell function, and studies show that glutamine helps to enhance the lymphocytes cells which fight illness.

For individuals working with balancing the bodies PH, glutamine acts as a buffer for acidic conditions and plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy acid/ alkaline balance.

Client Special Offer Enjoy 15%OFF the regular rate for any “Thai Foot Reflexology”, “Thai Yoga Massage”, when visiting Sharon Brown-Horton as a first time client at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre from now until Dec. 22, 2009.

Share the Love ~ the Holidays are just around the corner! With each Gift Certificate you purchase (from now until Dec. 22, 2009) for a 60-min.Thai Yoga Massage or a 60-min.Thai Foot Reflexology Massage at the regular rate, you will receive a Gift Certificate for a Complimentary 15-minute Thai Massage or Thai Foot Reflexology service that you can enjoy yourself (non-transferrable).

The more Gift Certificates you purchase, the more massage time you accumulate! Gift Certificates (purchased) are good for 1 year from the date of purchase and are transferrable, but non-refundable. Call Sharon Brown-Horton at 604.773.2645 to request your service or Gift Certificate.

Gift Certificates can be sent to you by courier (week-days) when purchasing with a credit card for an extra delivery charge. Offer good until December 22, 2009. Visa & Mastercard accepted.

“What health conditions can be improved from the use of a far infrared sauna?”

Infrared sauna therapy is specifically designed to create a comfortable, deep, penetrating heat thereby leading to an increase in core body temperature, a raise in metabolism and subsequent profuse sweating which has numerous health benefits including:

• Cleansing and Detoxification
• Heavy metal detoxification
• Skin health (acne, eczema, psoriasis, wound healing, and scar tissue)
• Assists with the breakdown of cellulite
• Supports healthy immune response
• Pain relief (from Arthritis, Back pain, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Headaches)
• Weight loss (burns up to 600 calories in one 30 minute session)
• Heart disease (clinically shown to lower blood pressure)
• Women’s Health
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Stress management
• Increased circulation, elevated blood pressure
• Athletic injury and recovery, post exercise pain,
• Muscle and Joint pain, soft tissue injury, muscle spasms, stiffness, adhesions, shoulder pain, tight shoulders

Disclaimer: The information contained within is not meant to replace the clinic advice of a doctor or your main health care practitioner nor does it address individual circumstances. The data and opinions contained in the information are solely for information and educational purposes only.

Almost anyone can use a far infrared sauna, with just a few exceptions, however if one has a specific health condition it is important to consult your primary care provider prior to use.

Hemophiliacs and women who are pregnant or who might be pregnant are NOT advised to use the sauna. Individuals with MS and Lupus may find benefit from the sauna at a lower temperature.

For more information on our infrared sauna sessions and to book a sauna appointment contact us at: 604 683 2298 or info@alchemyelixir.com

Special for a 1 hour Shiatsu treatment. Regular price $ 60 - October and November promotion $ 40.

Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots found in oriental medicine, translated literally as “finger pressure” in Japanese. Traditionally performed on the floor, the practitioner uses his/her own body weight while applying pressure to meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) with palms, thumbs, and elbows. Shiatsu also involves gentle stretching and range of motion techniques. Shiatsu aims to regulate our body’s energy (”chi”) which flows through the meridians, nourishing the blood, organs, muscles, glands, and nerves. An imbalance in this energy network can often lead to fatigue, pain and illness. Shiatsu treatments help to alleviate stress and to improve muscle and joint function. This deep yet gentle approach to health care can strengthen the body and improve overall wellness, offering many long-term benefits.

In addition to supporting balance and harmony in the body, Shiatsu may also assist with the following specific conditions:

• Stress and tension
• Back pain
• Headaches and neck pain
• Menstrual regularity and comfort, menopause
• Post-traumatic stress
• Depression, anxiety
• Insomnia, fatigue
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• General wellness and vitality ~ plus it just simply feels great!

Nancy Adham ~Shiatsu practitioner. Nancy was born in Alexandria, Egypt and has lived in several countries working with people teaching dance, art, and design. Nancy has a deep understanding of body movement and how muscles work due to her in-depth experience with dance. Her desire to help dancers relieve their muscle stiffness, minimize stess and minimize over-all fatigue led her to study Shiatsu and offer healing through this beautiful technique.

Shiatsu treatments can help to alleviate stress and to improve muscle and joint function. This deep yet gentle approach to health care can strengthen the body and improve overall wellness, offering many long-term benefits. Shiatsu offers excellent solutions for individuals wanting relaxation, additional stress management and health enhancement. Nancy received her certification from the Vancouver School of Body Work and Massage.

To book a Shiatsu appointment at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group call Nancy at 778-833-2770

“Give me a chance to create fever, and I will cure any disease” Greek physician, Parmenides

For centuries, cultures around the world have recognized the therapeutic value of heating the body for healing and improved vitality. Drawing upon the knowledge of ancient techniques to maintain good health; methods to induce sweating have been well documented in their use to provide relief from dis-ease and for health enhancement benefits. This traditional wisdom has certainly stood the test of time and is now coupled with advanced technology to create the Infrared Sauna.

Infrared sauna therapy is specifically designed to create a comfortable, deep, penetrating heat thereby leading to an increase in core body temperature, a raise in metabolism and subsequent profuse sweating.

One of the most recognized benefits of Far Infrared Sauna is the ability to assist in detoxification. Stress, environmental toxins, chemicals, xenoestrogens, airborne pollutants, poor dietary and exercise habits all affect our health via the deposition of toxic debris in our system. Using the far infrared sauna helps to purify our cells, specifically the cells inside our fat where our body stores waste and harmful toxins, such as cholesterol and heavy metals. Infrared sauna therapy cleanses and detoxifies your body from the inside out.

“How often can one use the Far infrared sauna?”

Far infrared sauna is considered to be an intense form of a whole body workout. Thus it may be necessary for those not in peak condition to gradually build up tolerance. For those who are physically fit and relatively healthy a 30 minute initial sauna session will be preferred and a sauna session will feel refreshing, cleansing and purifying. Once an individual has become conditioned to the heat, individuals with a sluggish metabolism and those desiring weight loss enhancement can take saunas up to 2 times daily, once in the morning and once in the later day. After the body becomes conditioned to being in the sauna, many people enjoy daily 30 minute sauna sessions.

Sauna sessions are also excellent during times of cleansing, during detoxification programs and to support any health program focused on improving or maintaining optimal health. Most individuals leave the sauna session feeling refreshed, invigorated and revitalized.

 ~ written by Martina Schneider, RYT Registered Yoga Teacher

How do you place yourself?

The benefits of Yoga are almost as endless as the amount of Yoga books, websites and articles that have been written about this ancient practice. When I started practicing Yoga, I simply enjoyed Yoga as a form of exercise that, unlike other types of excise I did in the past, did not leave me feeling exhausted; I also noticed that I slept better after I took a Yoga class; and I loved the poetic words my Yoga teacher used to help my busy mind relax. Since then I have asked more than good sleep of my practice. Through the practice of Anusara Yoga®, its set of Universal Principles of Alignment and life-affirming Tantric philosophy my body, mind and heart have become stronger, more sensitive and open. The ongoing refinement of my alignment on the mat has turned my physical practice into a mirror of my daily life where I have also become more aware of how and where I place myself in my work and relationships.

In this process the Tantric philosophy reminds me to constantly look into my heart so that through skillful actions and choices I am moving to an ever stronger, healthier and happier place in which I celebrate my own potential.

Connect with yourself and others

Yoga works in increments and this week, when I took a workshop and therapy training with John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga®, confirmed that some things change sooner than others. I had studied with him before and knew that I would feel ecstatic with new energy after the workshop, as if I had mysteriously reassembled my whole body. Throughout the workshop I practiced whole heartedly stretching my muscles, opening my joints and flowing with my breath. The Therapy Training was very hands-on. We poked and squeezed each other’s muscles, studied our skeletal structure and practiced the adjustments John Friend had demonstrated to alleviate lower back pain and shoulder discomfort; all the while giving each other feedback on our work and chatting about our Yogic experiences. As the workshop ended I indeed felt ecstatic with new energy, as if I had mysteriously reassembled my whole body. But this time something else had also shifted. As I was saying good-bye to all the people that I had got to know throughout the training, I realized that besides the new insights into Yoga Therapy I had also gained a whole lot of new friends with whom I would share the love and enthusiasm for the same thing in the future.

The kula

With every training, workshop or Yoga class I take I surround myself with like-minded people and connect with them. When we do partner work we support each other, and it is not only their physical strength and my trust in their support that helps me to get and stay in a Yoga pose; it is also their positive energy along with their trust in me to be able to get into the pose that boosts my confidence and well being. This positive energetic lift is one of the greatest benefits of Yoga and also one of the three landmarks of Anusara Yoga®. As we practice we are not only building our strength, we are also building a community, a kula, a tight community of the heart, in which we connect with and support everybody. As we uplift each other we look for the good in others and celebrate our vast potential that lies within everybody. Once we experience the fruits of this opening, we come to be truly ecstatic with fresh energy and we actually have fully reassembled our whole Selves.

About Martina

Martina Schneider, RYT -Registered Yoga Teacher. Martina started practicing Yoga in 2003 with the simple goal of improving her health and fitness. As her practice deepened she experienced an exhilarating transformation of her body and life which motivated her to make healthier choices in her day to day life and leave her job as a high school teacher to teach Yoga full-time. Martina is a registered Yoga teacher working towards the Anusara-inspired™ designation and is teaching Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga in various Yoga studios in Vancouver.

In her Yoga classes Martina focuses on refining alignment and explores the flow within the poses through long strong holds. Her classes are sequenced around an inspirational theme as well as opening, strengthening and releasing specific parts of the body. She believes that the greatest openings come about when we move deeper into the body. Martina teaches Yoga in a small group setting to allow for personal attention, modifications of poses, demonstrations and adjustments to ensure that everybody experiences the full benefits of their practice.

Four week Yoga session: Yoga for Beginners

Wednesday September 30th will be the first class of a series of four pre-registered Wednesday classes at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver.

Time: 7:15-8:15am Schedule: 4 Yoga classes

Cost: $ 65 (incl. GST) Early bird discount: $60 (incl. GST) Pre-register and pre pay by Sept. 10th!

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

Four week Yoga session: Sunrise Yoga Flow for all levels

Friday October 2nd will be the first class of a series of four pre-registered Friday morning private classes held at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver.

Time: 7:15-8:15am Schedule: 4 Yoga classes

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

Cost: After September 10 $ 65 (incl. GST) Early bird discount: $60 (incl. GST) if you pre-register and pre pay by Sept. 10th!

The details

• Payment: Mail cheque before the first class Email pre-registration is required, classes are non-refundable and cannot be re-scheduled
• Mats are provided
• Wear comfortable exercise clothes
• Maximum of 6 people in each class, preregistration required
• Classes start and finish on time, so please arrive 5 min prior to start
• To register for a Yoga session email: simplecityyoga@yahoo.com
• For more information visit Martina’s website: www.simplecityyoga.com

~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Alfalfa leaves, the latin name being Medicago sativa, is a plant origionally native to asia, but now is found growing abundantly throughout the world. Alfalfa is rich in isoflavone properties, coumarins, sterols, rich in enzymes including amylase, lipase and protase, containing Vitamin A, C, D, B6, and vitamin K and is said to contain 10 times more mineral value than the average grain.

Used traditionally as a tonic herb, meaning an herb which can be used long term to help build and strengthen the whole body and has often been used for conditions of wasting (anorexia) and a lack of vitality. Known as a support for both mental and physical wellbeing.

Traditionally used as a tea to promote strong bones and help rebuild decaying teeth. Rich in chlorophyll, alfalfa can be combined with the herbs: horsetail, nettle leaf and red clover for connective tissue support and is often used in conditions of arthritis. 

Known as a galactagogue, Alfalfa can be drunk as a tea to help increase the flow of breast milk in new mothers.

A gentle cleanser, Alfalfa has gentle diuretic and laxative properties and holds healing properties for digestive distress.

Due to its blood thinning properties, consult an herbal practitioner prior to using Alfalfa if using Statin medications or are taking blood thinners.

The dried herb, or leaves of alfalfa can be prepared as a tea through making an infusion and ingested, or used as a poultice or skin wash externally for the healing of wounds and abscesses.