Students will learn how to make a basic cream by emulsifying water and oil with beeswax and Vitamin E and essential oils will be available to add to creams for preservation, aroma and skin balancing/healing properties. Each person will take home a jar of cream made in class. We will cover:

• An explanation on the steps involved in making a basic cream.
• Some of the harmful ingredients used in body care products - why they are used and how they negatively impact our health.
• An explanation of the ingredients used in making a basic cream and the process of emulsification.
• A demonstration of how to make infused oils and the herbs most commonly used.
• A discussion of the medicinal properties of herbs such as calendula, comfrey, st john’s wort, lavender.
• Essential oils - what are they and what can they do for us? A number of skin restoring and healing essential oils will be discussed and their particular medicinal properties will be explained.

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

Prepayment and preregistration is required as space is limited. Email info@alchemyelixir.com

Date: Tuesday Jan. 31, 2012 Time: 6-8 pm. Cost $ 60 or $ 100 for both the beginner and advanced cream making class.

Students will learn how to make a more complicated cream using hydrosols, butters and lecithin powder. Students will gain an understanding of how to make medicated creams for specific conditions. Everyone will leave with a jar of cream made in class. Material covered: An introduction to Ayurvedic concepts of kapha, pitta, vata, with emphasis on understanding constitutional types.

A discussion on how kapha, pitta and vata can manifest in the skin and how to identify. An explanation of carrier oils that can be used in cream making and their kapha, pitta or vata qualities. An explanation of essential fatty acid rich oils, how to use them and what their specific medicinal and skin healing properties are. Tinctures, Teas and Hydrosols will be explained and how to use them in creams. A discussion of common skin and health conditions and helpful herbs that can be used topically in creams (skin problems such as, oily, dry, itchy, infected, inflamed and bruised skin / conditions such as, arthritis, muscle soreness, pain, thread veins, cellulite, scaring).

Space is limited and preregistration is required. To register email: info@alchemyelixir.com

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

Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 6-8 pm Cost: $60 for one class or $100 for both the beginner and advanced cream making class. Prepayment is required.

 ~ Written by Alyssa Coon ~ RPCc- Wellness Coach & Counsellor

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of your present moment without judgment and without thinking about past events or the future, for in reality, this moment is the only moment which we truly have. We have become out of touch with this sense of awareness, because we have become so out of touch with a connection to the rest of our senses. We no longer have a separation between our being and our doing – instead much of the day is spent on auto pilot, rushing from task to task and not being truly present at any one time. This behavior creates a continual state, where we now see without seeing, hear without really hearing, touch without touching, taste without tasting and live without living (and without being fully present in this very moment).

Russ Harris says that mindfulness is a sense of awareness with openness and curiosity - when we bring the practice of awareness into our everyday experiences in the present moment- instead of getting lost in our thoughts (and living in our mind) even if the present moment experience is unpleasant or painful; it is a powerful practice to just be open and curious about the experiencing –observing with out judgement.

We are in a constant state of ‘auto pilot’, lost in our thoughts of what we need to do in the future, or constantly replaying past events, which at this moment we have no power over. Because we are in this state of autopilot we are not even aware of the gifts we are missing from this present moment. Often we think negative thoughts about ourselves, and may be so caught up in the thought of “I can’t do anything right!” when, in reality we should be saying, “I’m having a thought that I can’t do anything right”; which will begin the process of separating us from our egoic thoughts and helps us to live more in our true divine nature. When we can begin to see the separation between our thoughts and our higher Self; then feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, depression or even physical sickness can fall away from us because we more are in a state of alignment with our higher selves.

By introducing mindfulness into everyday living it can help to lessen the amount of stress in your life, improving states of depression, anxiety, skin disorders, obesity, but most importantly mindfulness helps you to live your life to the fullest!

There are many areas in our lives where we can bring mindfulness into our lives, and the one technique which I would like to introduce to you for this very moment is ‘the power of your breath’. Breathing is the simplest mindful technique of all. Be mindful of your breath, take a few moments right now to check in with yourself for a “mind-ful moment” and take a few deep breaths – feel the air in your lungs and feel the air fill out your belly. This breathing practice can help with stress, as our breathing tends to become very shallow during times of stress.

Anyone can enjoy the benefits of practicing mindfulness, as it has no necessary religious background to it- though it has origins from Buddhism and Eastern philosophy.

I hope to see you at my “Mindfulness for Everyday Living” seminar at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group at suite 320- 1026 Davie St., Vancouver BC (www.alchemyelixir.com) on November 23rd, 2011 at 6:30 pm. For more details please contact me directly at 604 626 9884.  Alyssa Coon ~ RPCc- Wellness Coach & Counsellor 

Mindfulness for Everyday Living - Seminar on Wednesday, November 23, 2011

In this course people will learn the positive effects of living a mindful life. Through experiential learning you will be shown how to integrate these simple practices into everyday living. Mindfulness has been shown to help improve anxiety, depression, stress, and obesity- along with many other benefits. Living a mindful life does not include worrying about the past, or thinking about the future-its about living in this very moment which is the only one we have. ~Pre-register to reserve a seat.

When: November 23, 2011

Instructor: Alyssa Coon, Wellness Counsellor

Time: 6:30- 8:30 Cost: $15

Where: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie. St Vancouver BC

Contact: Alyssa Coon, Wellness Counsellor directly to reserve a seat at ph: 604 626 9884/ lyssa.coon@gmail.com 

In this course, students will learn how to perform a 60-min. Traditional Thai Foot Reflexology Sequence. A step-by-step workbook demonstrates how to stimulate over 60 Reflex Zones using Thumb Slides, Flat Knuckle Slides as well as a re-usable Wooden Reflexology Tool.

Date: 1 day - Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 9:30 AM - 4:30PM. CMTBC / BCRPA Credits: 7.0

Limited time offer - special reduced on-line Tuition Fee ONLY $270 (incl taxex) SAVE $25 OFF the regular Tuition Fee of $295 (incl tax) when reserving your space online by Fri. Sept. 30th!!

Tuition inludes: Workbook, Wooden Reflexology Tool + Taxes. Available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out!

Course location: “Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre” Suite #320 - 1026 Davie St., Van., BC

Taught by Sharon Brown Horton Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner

Call Sharon now! (604) 773-2645 Or visit www.BanyanThaiMassage.com to register for this course and to see more about our upcoming Thai Massage Course Schedule for 2011-2012

Learn how to do Thai Massage on a partner! Give the gift of massage to someone you care about!

In this fun and informative workshop I will guide you through mini sequences ofThai Massage. This is the perfect workshop for beginners! At the end of the workshop, you will know how to perform:

• Stress-busting neck & shoulder massage
• Tension relief massage for back
• Gentle stretches for hips, legs, back, chest and shoulders

Workshop duration: 2 hours.

-No massage experience required -Everyone will have an opportunity to both receive and to give Thai Massage!

-Handouts with pictures will be proviced. I know you will love this workshop! I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely, Sharon Brown-Horton, Thai Massage Practitioner

Reservations/Inquiries contact Sharon directly at 604.773.2645

www.BanyanThaiMassage.net

Date: Thursday, September 15th 6:30 - 8:30PM at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group at 320-1026 Davie St.

Do you have the sugar blues? Most of us know that sugar is unhealthy….and many of us also know how challenging it can be to reduce or eliminate refined sugar from our diets. During Christmas and New Years, when we are completely surrounded by sugary treats, do we even stand a chance? Oh yes you do! During this 2 hour workshop, you will learn simple techniques for kicking sugar cravings naturally, examine some better options and alternative sweeteners, and most importantly, we’ll discuss how to maintain balance when you find yourself at a social gathering with sugar, sugar, and more sugar. You’ll have the opportunity to taste some healthy and delicious holiday treats, and be sent home with an information package full of recipes to try out on your friends and family! **pre registration is required

Date: November 26, 2011

Instructor: Melissa Furneaux, RHN, BSc., HHC

Time: 12:30-2:30 pm

Cost: $25  Where: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie. St Vancouver BC

Contact: Melissa Furneaux, B.Sc., HHC, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist directly at 604-760-9892

**Please register in advance to reserve your seat, as spaces are limited mfurneaux@gmail.com or info@alchemyelixir.com to reserve your seat.

taught by Melissa Furneaux, B.Sc., HHC, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist

What would your life be like if you were happier, had more energy, and felt a sense of balance each day? What would your life be like if you were happier, had more energy, and felt a sense of balance each day? Would you like to learn to…

• mprove your mood and lessen feelings of depression?
• Find balance in your relationship with food?
• Decrease feelings of stress and anxiety?

There is a great deal of wisdom in the old saying “you are what you eat.” Food is a powerful tool that is often overlooked in its effects on mood and mental health. In this workshop, we will cover the basics of how our nutritional choices interact with our state of mind, and how we can use food to our advantage to promote a sense of balance and well-being.

When: Saturday October 22, 2011

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

Time: 12:30 to 2:30 Cost: $25 at door

Contact: Melissa Furneaux, B.Sc., HHC, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist directly at 604-760-9892

**Please register in advance to reserve your seat, as spaces are limited mfurneaux@gmail.com or info@alchemyelixir.com to reserve your seat.

Do you ever feel ungrounded? Stressed? Unable to focus? Do you know anyone who doesn’t feel this way on occasion? What if you could learn to use food and nutrition to your advantage to feel more clear, present, and down to earth in your day to day life? In this 2 hour workshop, we will use the humble family of root vegetables to introduce the ideas of food energetics and eating with the seasons, and ultimately how this relates to your day to day life. We will examine fun and creative ways of cooking with foods like yams, carrots, ginger, and parsnips, and you will even have the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious, local, root veggie treats Of course, you’ll also walk away with an information package and some wonderful recipes to try at home! **registration is required

Date: October 1, 2011

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

Time: 12:30 to 2:30 Cost: $ 25 at door

Contact: Melissa Furneaux, B.Sc., HHC, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist directly at 604-760-9892

**Please register in advance to reserve your seat, as spaces are limited mfurneaux@gmail.com or info@alchemyelixir.com to reserve your seat.

Join us for an information evening exploring common herbal remedies, essential oils, optimal nutrition and relevant supplementation for the winter months, for prevention of a cold or flu and for strengthening the immune system.

Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH - Medical Herbalist

Date: Thursday September 29, 2011 from 6:30 until 8 pm.

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320- 1026 Davie St. Vancouver BC - co-sponsored with Choices Market

Cost: $ 10 Space is limited. Space is limited. Call to preregister 604 683 2298 or email info@alchemyelixir.com