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

 ~ 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.

“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   

Dive deeply into the fertile ocean of your unconscious!

Pregnancy is a time filled with hopes and excitement, fears and uncertainties. It is a time of profound physical and emotional changes — perhaps spiritual ones too.

This workshop has been created to help women explore these changes and feelings in a relaxing, supportive and creative environment.

Join a small group of other pregnant women for 90 minutes of meditative and spontaneous painting. Using guided visualization, you will be invited to paint and more fully understand these amazing changes.

Painting in a quiet, meditative way can draw you more deeply into your intuitive self. Fears can be explored and then dissolved. Hopes and dreams can be clarified and born onto the paper. Stories can be shared with others who support you.

No art experience is necessary! Your intuitive wisdom will know what and how to paint as the moment arises. Create without limits or judgements.

Stephanie Harper is an Art Therapist registered with the BC Art Therapy Association. As a painter and a mother, she is very excited to bring her two passions together in this workshop.

Please see more information about Stephanie at www.alchemyelixir.com

When? Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 1 pm- 2:30 pm

Where? Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St., Vancouver. V6E 1M3

Cost? $75 per person

Space is limited! To Register, call Stephanie at 778-988-1312

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 

Learn about the key herbs for optimal nervous system health, methods of application and home use and usable tips for minimizing common nervous system dis-ease. Tea sampling included…

Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist. Everyone is welcome to attend this information talk.

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Time: 7-9 pm

Cost: sponsored by the Powell River Women’s Health Network, donations are requested.

Location: Powell River United Church in Powell River, BC

We will cover a general overview of digestive function, coupled with learning the actions and application of key digestive aids including: herbal astringents, bitters, carminatives, digestive relaxants and demulcent herbs in terms of supporting common digestive complaints (from indigestion, irritable bowel, gas and bloating, to stimulating a poor appetite).

An interactive evening, combined with herb tasting and fun!

Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist.

Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Time: 6:00- 7:30 pm

Cost: $ 10 cash or cheque at the door. Space is limited. Pre registration and prepayment required. All materials and handouts provided.

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

To register call 604-683-2298 or email at info@alchemyelixir.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 

~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group

An under active thyroid (or Hypothyroid) refers to an impairment in the conversion of T4 (the inactive thyroid hormone) into the active T3 hormone. The thyroid responds to a feedback mechanism that keeps the thyroid levels within a certain range and is dependent upon the pituitary gland secretion of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to regulate the amount of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) produced by the thyroid. When circulating levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) are low, the pituitary secretes TSH triggering the release of more thyroid hormones.

The majority of thyroid conditions are due to Primary Hypothyroidism, occurring when the thyroid hormones are low and TSH is elevated, indicating a local problem of thyroid hormone synthesis due to the thyroid gland itself. Secondary hypothyroid occurs when TSH is low and the thyroid hormone levels are also low.

The thyroid gland concentrates iodine and uses it to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Through a process known as deiodination, T4 is converted to T3. These hormones are of similar importance to the body as the engine is to a car, both hormones are involved in the breakdown of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, thereby regulating metabolism and moderating bodies internal thermostat. They are involved in nervous system and digestive function, respiratory and cardiovascular function, calcium mobilization, muscle tone and the production of red blood cells. In short, the thyroid hormones are essential for life.

Systemic Effects of an Underactive Thyroid Include:

• Morning fatigue Headaches and migraines
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• PMS, mood swings
• Brittle thin nails
• Anemia
• Slurred speech
• Increased appetite
• Heavy or irregular menstruation
• Nerve problems
• Constipation
• Recurrent infections
• Weight gain
• Hypertension
• Loss of libido
• Hoarseness
• Impaired concentration, memory loss and impaired problem solving abilities
• Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries
• Dry puffy skin, eczema, hives, orange discoloration of the skin, swollen eyes Increased need for sleep Irritable bowel syndrome
• Yeast infections
• Brittle dry hair and hair loss (including hair loss on the eyebrows)

Nutritional Supplements to Support Healthy Thyroid Function:

• Thyro 100: Contains botanical medicine, trace minerals and key essential nutrients for optimal thyroid function.
• Tyrosine: both iodine and tyrosine are required for the production of thyroid hormones.
• Zinc: Is involved in the synthesis of the hypothalamic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), a zinc deficiency may slow down the conversion of T4 to T3.
• Vitamin E: supports the conversion of T4 to T3 by influencing the hepatic 5-deiodinase activity.
• Selenium: essential for thyroid synthesis, hormone production and the conversion of T4 to T3.
• For additional holistic supplementation for thyroid health…

Some Nutritional and Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Avoid fluoridated and chlorinated water; instead switch to reverse osmosis water for cooking and drinking. Both fluoride and chlorine are structurally similar to iodine and block the iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, resulting in a lowered iodine containing hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism.
• Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride.
• Avoid unrefined table salt (sodium chloride).
• Avoid eating RAW curciferous vegetables, (also known as RAW goitregens). These foods consist of cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes.
• Avoid Soy products
• Hydrotherapy (water therapy) can be used daily in the shower by letting cold water fall onto the throat and neck area where the thyroid gland is situated or apply a cold compress to the throat.
• Frequent infrared saunas, steaming and dry skin brushing are useful to support thyroid activity

For additional guidance on a holistic treatment protocol for an Underactive Thyroid and for custom blended herbal medicine to address symptoms and assist optimal function of the whole body, consider booking a consultation in our clinic with Katolen Yardley, MNIMH. For more information…