Blog

What does it take to build a successful holistic health practice? Through the experience of member Dryden Benoit, learn how a commitment to client-centered care and a strong social media strategy can work together to support a thriving massage therapy practice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of everyday life. For holistic health practitioners, these tools may offer new ways to save time, manage a practice, and support learning. However, using AI also comes with important considerations, particularly when it comes to accuracy, privacy, and professional responsibility. So, where can AI fit into your practice, and where should you be cautious?

Whether you work at a large corporation or a small business, workplace wellness plays an important role in employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall morale. Workplace wellness days give staff a chance to recharge, connect, and focus on their health in meaningful ways.
While these events can include a wide range of activities, our guide will focus on ideas that support holistic health and wellness.

Spring is a season of renewal, bringing sunshine, lightness, and a fresh energy. For holistic health practitioners, it's a perfect opportunity to revisit or rebuild your goals and routines. This wellness bucket list blends professional and personal ideas to inspire you to spring into action. Your own well-being matters as much as your clients'!

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread, often debilitating pain and fatigue. Each person may experience different symptoms, from insomnia and bowel issues to depression and memory loss. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are ways to manage it, including holistic health care. Holistic practices such as massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, yoga, and reiki have been found to be beneficial for those living with fibromyalgia.

Explore the remarkable journey of Walter Isaac, one of Winnipeg's most respected massage therapists. From his early beginnings in post-war Europe to building a 50-year career rooted in intuitive touch, Walter shares the experiences, lessons, and approach that have shaped his practice.

Migraine Canada estimates five million Canadians live with migraines, the second most common primary headache disorder. Luckily, holistic health practices can help! While migraines require additional support through medication or lifestyle changes, holistic health therapies like such as craniosacral, trigger point, positional release, or aromatherapy may help address the symptoms and improve daily life.

It's been another successful year with our members! We've made some significant strides to advocate for the holistic health industry and our practitioners. In 2025, we took that a step further by creating more opportunities for our members to connect with industry leaders, local communities, and fellow practitioners. Let's rewind the clock as we highlight some of the significant moments of our year together!

Many holistic health practitioners grow their practice with digital platforms like social media. These offer a great way to reach a larger audience and interact with clients. But what happens when you receive negative feedback in the digital world? Don't worry! There are many strategies to handle these situations professionally, empowering you to take control of your online reputation.

The massage and holistic health industry uses abbreviations to simplify commonly used words of phrases related to the human body and anatomy. While abbreviations are common across industries, they can be intimidating for newcomers who are still learning the terminology. Some of the most common terms practitioners may encounter relate to techniques, anatomy, ailments, and professional titles.

When doctors and massage therapists work together, they create a partnership that benefits their patients' overall health and healing. We asked Dr. Mary Chisholm how holistic health practitioners can create an effective partnership with medical practitioners to help their clients. 

When combined, massage therapy and medicine can enhance overall health and well-being. We asked Dr. Mary Chisholm to answer the most common patient questions about massage therapy. Together, we explored its benefits and how it can complement conventional medical treatments.

Liability insurance is important for all holistic health practitioners because it protects against loss of business or bankruptcy in case legal action is taken against them. Legal issues can cause immense stress, but comprehensive coverage can offer peace of mind for practitioners and business owners. We discuss the the most important types of insurance for practitioners.

Movember is annual event intended to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. In November, men grow their moustaches (or "mo's") to raise money for men's health charity groups. Holistic health care can help some of the most common health issues Canadian men face today, like testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and depression.

The benefits of massage therapy for seniors are often overlooked. Massage therapy can be hugely beneficial in maintaining a healthy and active body for those over 65 years old. We spoke with NHPC member Shawn Trimble, whose practice in BC has afforded him the pleasure and opportunity of working with a large population of senior citizens. Shawn helps shine a light on the techniques, misconceptions, and greatest rewards when working with seniors.

Choosing a career path can be difficult. As you will be spending many hours a week in your chosen profession, it's essential to get it right! Massage therapy is quickly becoming more popular among students and professionals looking for a career change. Some benefits of pursuing a career in massage therapy include flexible work hours, steady income, and shorter education and training — all of which contribute to a healthier work-life balance.

Aromatherapy (sometimes referred to as essential oil therapy) is an ancient practice that uses essential oils to promote physical and mental well-being. Aromatherapy uses essential oils or oil blends to help improve symptoms associated with specific health concerns like, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, depression, chronic pain, and skin conditions. 

In this blog, we explore which essential oils are effective for which health concerns, how to apply them, the origins of essential oils, and how they are created. 

This month, we jump into the exciting world of sports massage with NHPC member Trevor Jordan. As the Head RMT for Edmonton's professional basketball team, the Edmonton Stingers, and an accomplished athlete himself, he has a wealth of expertise in massage for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

In massage therapy and all holistic health practices, ensuring that clients are fully informed about their treatment is a requirement and a fundamental aspect of providing quality care. Informed consent is crucial in establishing trust and transparency between clients and their practitioners. This article explores what it means to be fully informed, why it matters, and your rights and role as a client.

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice where practitioners invoke reiki energy to identify hot spots (areas where energy is needed) within their patient's body. The practitioner lightly lays their hands on or above these points to address areas with energy disruption. While some individuals may be skeptical about trying an energy-based treatment, research shows that energy treatments can be just as effective as more hands-on therapies like massage. 

To mark the end of our 35th anniversary celebration, we are excited to share a special guest blog with David Bergmark, one of the inspirations behind the NHPC. David shares his journey pursuing a massage therapy career before the NHPC existed and during the Association's early years. Thank you, David, and to everyone who helped us celebrate our 35th anniversary in 2023!

The winter is a tough time for many Canadians. As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it's no wonder many Canadians suffer from the winter blues or even the clinical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Use these four tips to get out of that dreaded winter gloom using holistic health treatments.

With a focus on the mind-body connection, Esalen massage can be uniquely applied to the practice of infant massage to benefit both infants and caregivers. By incorporating the principles of Esalen, infant massage practitioners can guide caregivers to create a nurturing environment that supports the development of their infants. 

Massage therapy is a widely accessible treatment that can significantly benefit your well-being. From treating acute and chronic conditions to improving your body's healing process and releasing stress, massage therapy has potential beyond relaxation. In this blog, we discuss how massage therapy can significantly improve four health conditions: planar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (and other digestive issues), and vertigo.

As a holistic health practitioner, workplace responsibilities may demand more paper, water, and energy usage, so you may find it challenging to reduce your environmental footprint.
But, you have the unique opportunity to provide relaxation and healing to your clients while reducing your impact on the environment. You can create a sustainable and environmentally conscious workplace by adopting climate-friendly practices.

Summer is a busy time of year! Between summer sports and activities, kids out of school, and plenty of yard work to go around, it's easy to forget to take a moment and listen to your body. Here are some reasons that you should take some time for yourself and book a massage this summer.

Practitioners should never disregard their own safety when working with clients. NHPC members have the right to terminate a client if the client’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening or if the client refuses to comply with the clinic’s stated policies. Terminating a client can be a difficult decision that should be made with careful consideration and consultation with colleagues, supervisors, or professional guidelines. 

Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, and narcolepsy impact a number of Canadians every year, with chronic stress contributing significantly to insufficient sleep. While many of these require additional support through medication or lifestyle changes, holistic health treatments may help address the symptoms and improve your daily life.

2023 marks the Association's 35th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with a few Life Members to hear about their NHPC experience and holistic health journey. They shared why they joined the Association, how it benefitted their career, how it helped them grow as a practitioner, how the industry has changed in the last 35 years, and other insights into the NHPC and being a holistic health practitioner. 

Communicating with clients effectively is essential to maintaining a professional practice. Successful communication can improve client-practitioner relationships, reduce the likelihood of rejected claims, and reduce barriers to helping clients meet their wellness goals. Considering this, English Language Proficiency (ELP) is central to a holistic health practitice in Canada. 

There are many holistic health therapies to explore that enhance your well-being and provide relief from a variety of symptoms. In this article, we explore the difference between pressure points and trigger points using two different holistic health practices: tuina and Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy®.

Between differing stages of regulation in the provinces and territories to multiple sources of information across the country, the massage therapy industry often appears complex to those who are new to it. Our Membership, Industry Relations, and Practice Management teams collaborated to answer a few commonly asked questions about the massage therapy industry and the NHPC.

Becoming intuitive to another person's needs is a skill that takes refining, especially concerning body treatments through holistic health care. Many practitioners are already intuitive in their practice, but there is always room to grow our consciousness to the whole person.

This month, we met with our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Registrar Tendai Nzuma to learn more about her background, her desire to work in holistic health care, and her outlook for the NHPC. In our discussion, Tendai shared the challenges, opportunities, and goals set for our association.

Individuals may choose mobile massage for comfort, convenience, or health-related reasons that prevent them from commuting to a clinic or a spa. We spoke with NHPC Member Michèle Somer to help explain mobile massage, its benefits, uses, and other considerations.

There are many holistic health therapies practised worldwide. Some of the most well-known types include massage therapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy. When booking a massage therapy session, it's not uncommon to stick to the most popular or convenient ones. This article explores different types of massage therapy, each with its own set of techniques, refined to improve your physical and mental health.

April 24 to 30 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. To celebrate, we'd like to introduce two of our members doing some amazing work in their local communities. Jeanette Bruce and Kanchana Todamrongrat are NHPC members and active volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta (RMHC Alberta). The Ronald McDonald House supports families across Canada seeking medical treatment for their seriously ill or injured children.

If you think doing a handstand or being able to wrap your leg around your neck is what it takes to be a master yogi, we challenge you to think again! Yoga is more than just complicated poses, deep breaths, and meditation.  We asked NHPC member and yoga instructor Kathryn Bonner to help demystify the misconceptions about yoga and why some first-time yogis hesitate to hit the mat.

Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that encourages healing by creating suction on the skin using plastic or glass cups. The suction pulls up underlying tissues, blood, and other fluids close to the surface of the skin. To get an inside view on myofascial cupping, we spoke with NHPC member Winona Mondor, who has been practising cupping since 1999 and teaching cupping across Canada since 2012.

Many of us have had what feels like an embarrassing moment during a holistic health treatment. From a growling stomach to snoring on the table, massage therapists and other holistic health practitioners have heard and seen it all! Whether you are new to holistic health care or a regular client, these "embarrassing" moments can happen to anyone.

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by the inability to cope with the ongoing demands of daily life. Setting personal and professional boundaries can help reduce the risk of burnout. To learn how therapists and healers can care for themselves, we reached out to Denise Cambiotti, BioEnergetic Wellness Facilitator and course developer and trainer for Muscle Tuners International Inc.

To learn more about diabetes and holistic health care, we spoke with Candace Pichonsky, Holistic Health Practitioner for 15 years and Practice Competency Manager at the NHPC. As a diabetic, Candace sheds light on what both holistic practitioners and diabetic clients should know before giving or receiving treatment.

November 1 to 5 is International Stress Awareness Week. Stress can be caused by many factors in our everyday lives, and its negative effects can be far-reaching. To help explain the impacts of stress on the body, we spoke with Nadine Feldman, an NHPC practitioner specializing in Reiki, Shiatsu, and Trager. 

Craniosacral therapy (CST) involves soft-tissue manipulation techniques that focus on musculoskeletal health and function. CST practitioners use their hands to release built-up tension within the body and fascial tissues. Nicole Ainscough, an NHPC member and practising craniosacral therapist, defines craniosacral therapy as "a whole-person approach to healing, which is achieved by acknowledging our physical and emotional interconnectedness."

NHPC members are passionate about advancing the industry and finding new ways to support the health and well-being of people in their communities. Whether it's a product, a service, or education, our members are innovating in the health care landscape. We recently spoke with three members to learn more about their inspirational experiences as entrepreneurs.

As provinces continue with their reopening plans across Canada, many are navigating new working environments. Whether you are working from home or heading back into the office, your ergonomic environment can wreak havoc on your postural muscles. Explore what you can do as a client to improve postural strength, how massage therapists can help you find long-lasting relief, and other treatments that may complement massage therapy.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. There are many holistic health practices that may provide relief from symptoms and help improve your quality of life if you suffer from asthma.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) massage is growing in popularity as we continue to wear masks regularly and live with increased levels of stress and anxiety. We spoke with NHPC member Deanna Hannem, owner and operator of Dinosaur Valley Massage and Wellness, about TMJ massage and what clients can expect going into a session.

If you experience neck pain regularly, take note of the exercises and stretches your practitioner shares with you to do at home. Keeping up with the home care they recommend can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. If you don't have at-home stretches from your massage therapist, try these four stretches to help relieve neck tension between appointments.

The holidays can be a hard time for some, and this year more than ever people need extra love and support. Support your local holistic health practitioner this year by refering a friend, leaving them a positive review, interacting with them on social media, or buying gift cards from them.

When cells in the breast stop behaving as they should or stop growing, this can lead to non-cancerous breast conditions such as cysts, intraductal papillomas or hyperplasia. In some cases, these changes can cause breast cancer. While massage therapy will not treat cancer itself, it is a great complementary therapy to help cancer patients improve their overall health and well-being while going through treatment or post-treatment. 

Our new Board President's most distinctive features are her never-ending smile, sense of humour, and love of life. With Shauna, family is always first. In fact, at the Annual General Meeting last year, her newborn child joined us as our latest recruit! In her professional life, Shauna is dedicated to making her holistic health treatments convenient, empathetic, and effective.

Reflexology is growing in popularity as a source of healing, but there are still people who are unaware of the practice and its benefits. Three NHPC reflexologists share different ways the practice helps their clients with issues like injury rehabilitation, shingles symptoms, and pain from uterine fibroids.

Holistic health practitioners work in many different environments, and they often move locations or choose to open a home-based business as their practice grows. Whether you are an employee or a contract worker, here are some things to consider before you leave a clinic and tips to avoid the awkward conversation about what will happen to your client files when you leave.

Sports are an important part of many people's lives. Whether in an elementary gym class or a professional sports league, most people have played a sport. For those who do play sports, it almost seems that getting injured is inevitable. Here are three alternative ways to prevent and help alleviate sports-related injuries.

Thai massage is a series of stretches and strokes performed on clothed clients who are positioned on floor mats or low tables. It is used mainly to open the client's joints and stimulate blood flow. An NHPC life member and well-known Thai Massage expert, Paul Buffel explains the practice as "a dance between the client and the practitioner."

Maintaining your mental health during physical distancing, self-quarantine, or self-isolation can be a tricky task, especially if you are learning to manage a pre-existing condition. Here are seven ways to help boost your mood and keep anxiety and depression at bay.

Massage therapy is on the rise as viable treatment for many conditions, from pain to stress and anxiety. With that is some uncertainty about what to expect during a massage therapy session. There are several things to consider when going to your first appointment, including what to wear, prior conditions or injuries, oils and lotions being used, and most importantly, consent.

February is a common time of the year for many Canadians to escape to a tropical place. While you are sure to enjoy yourself once you arrive at your destination, the time it takes to get there can be filled with stress, illness, and many other unfortunate occurrences. We took to research and our members to create a holistic survival guide to travel.

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, basic abilities, communication, and behaviour. Some symptoms include a changes in mood and a lack of motivation to take part in regular social activities, accompanied by depression, anxiety, irritability, or fear. Aromatherapy can help alleviate some of these symptoms through therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils can affect general mood to relax, calm, or stimulate.

October was Women's History Month in Canada, an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the achievements and contributions women and girls have made throughout history. This month we are honouring the achievements and contributions of women in the holistic health field. Throughout the last century, women have advanced holistic health by developing new and innovative therapies to better serve their clients. Notable women in the holistic health field include Dr. Ida Rolf, Bonnie Prudden, Janet Mentgen, Marion Rosen, and Dr. Janet Travell.

From chronic constipation, nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and acid reflux, to lactose intolerance, more than 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders every year. Visceral manipulation can help relieve those digestive disorders. It is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the body's visceral system, including the intestines and other internal organs, to alleviate abnormal points of tension.

With much of the northern Canadian population living in small communities hundreds of kilometres away from urban hubs, gaining access to basic health care is challenging and expensive. Finding a massage therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or even yoga instructor can be next to impossible. We recently spoke to Chloe Larmand, an NHPC massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, and yoga instructor about her plans to address the lack of holistic health care options in the Northwest Territories. 

As business owner or self-employed practitioner, marketing your business is essential to gaining new clients, getting referrals, and developing brand recognition. Successful marketing can support financial stability and business growth. Despite the benefits of marketing, many practitioners and business owners are extremely busy and do not have time to research marketing strategies. There are also ethical guidelines to consider when advertising. Here are some ideas to help you ethically and successfully market your holistic health practice.

Everybody makes mistakes. It is a normal part of life, and it is how we learn and grow. Even in your practice as a holistic health practitioner you will make mistakes. However, some of these mistakes are avoidable, and some can affect how your client perceives the treatment. Making mistakes too often can make clients unhappy and cost you business. 

Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder that can affect anyone at any stage of life. Symptoms of muscular dystrophy include progressive wasting of muscles, weakness, fatigue, pain, and loss of function. Common signs of muscular dystrophy include poor balance, frequent falling, difficulty walking, limited range of movement, and drooping eyelids. While there is no cure for the disease, holistic heath practices like aquatic therapy, qigong, and massage therapy can help improve the quality of life for people with muscular dystrophy.

Holistic health practices are used to support various types of healing and recovery, including addictions recovery. Massage therapy is a valuable addition to addiction treatment because of its therapeutic effects and the added benefits of stress and anxiety release. We recently spoke with Dan Agapi, an NHPC massage therapist and the executive director of Recovery Acres, an addictions treatment facility located in Calgary, AB.

Approximately half of all Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life. There are numerous treatments available that aim to kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading, but these treatments are extremely hard on the body. Alternative therapies are recommended to help patients cope both physically and emotionally with the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Therapeutic Touch® is one holistic treatment that is recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society and supported by research.

April is IBS awareness month. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting 13% to 20% of Canadians. People who suffer from IBS often have chronic symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, and bowel function irregularities.  There are many ways to treat the symptoms associated with IBS, including dietary changes, stress reduction, and different medications. Alternative options for treating the symptoms of IBS are also very effective. 

As a holistic practitioner, being an eligible service provider with insurance companies means that your clients can have treatments covered through their extended health benefit plans. More Canadians are able to access complementary health treatments, such as massage therapy and reflexology, when they are not an out-of-pocket expense. To maintain your eligibility with insurance providers, you must meet the company's expectations for professional practice, preventing insurance fraud and benefit plan abuse.

Heart Month, February, brings attention to the importance of cardiovascular health and encourages Canadians to reduce their risk of developing heart disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Elevated levels of stress can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the chance of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. A source of stress for many practitioners may be their workplace. These strategies can help practitioners reduce their workplace stress.

In February, advocacy groups work diligently to raise awareness of eating disorders for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Yoga is often recommended for people who have dealt with an eating disorder as a tool to promote positive body image. As a yoga teacher, awareness of how you speak about the physical body as well as how you portray it is important to offer a supportive and inclusive experience. 

The week of January 20 to 26, 2019, marks National Non-Smoking Week in Canada. This week is intended to educate Canadians on the dangers of smoking, prevent people from picking up the habit, and encourage those who smoke to quit. While there are many routes people can take to stop smoking, such as prescription medication, support groups, and behavioural therapy, there are also holistic approaches.  

2019 is here, and we  are  starting the year off by raising awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. Whether going through cancer treatment, recovering from treatment, or struggling with mental health, men need emotional and physical support to maintain their well-being. 

While the holiday season can be an exciting time, it's no secret that it can also be very stressful. From the financial strain of buying gifts, to running between holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday performances, studies have shown that many people have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. While the holidays are stressful, it is important to remember to stay mindful and practise self-care during this busy season. Don't let the stress get to you!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hands, arms and wrists. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which is the nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist to the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a chronic condition and may require surgery to provide full relief. However, various holistic health practices can provide relief of symptoms and be used as a preventative measure to slow down the damaging effects that cause CTS. 

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle and non-invasive practice that involves the whole body. The practitioner is specially trained to work with the spine, skull, cranial sutures, and fascia to detect disturbances in the cranial sacral rhythm. From infants to seniors, craniosacral therapy has proven to be beneficial for a variety of issues, including: infant latching in breastfeeding, learning disabilities (such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia), autism, migraines, TMJ, insomnia, and depression. 

On September 30, 2018, the NHPC celebrates its 30th anniversary! What started as an Edmonton-based, massage-focused social club has since grown into a national association that represents over 6,300 holistic health practitioners. To celebrate its anniversary, long-term members were asked to share why they chose the NHPC and offer some words of wisdom to new practitioners.

Reflexology is an ancient therapy that focuses on healing in the body by activating different reflex points found in the hands and feet. Pressing on the different points in the hands and feet causes reflex responses in corresponding parts of the body, which can help promote healing. Reflexology is an effective therapy that can help treat various issues from headaches and tension to menstrual cramps and insomnia. So, if you have never had a reflexology treatment before, here is what you can expect.

Massage therapists, reflexologists, and other holistic health practitioners undergo extensive training to ensure they are able to provide the best possible treatment for their clients. However, delivering effective treatment is not solely the responsibility of the practitioner. As a client, there are important things to consider both before and after your appointment that will enhance the positive outcomes of the treatment.

With a little imagination and patience, you can experience a mindful summer with your children and teach them skills that will support them long-term. When we think of self-care or holistic health, we often think of going for a massage, attending a yoga class, or taking time away from the hectic demands of every day life. While these are amazing ways for adults to care for their well-being, they are not practical ways for children to experience holistic health benefits. 

NHPC board president, Pete Swales, recalls his journey of finding holistic health and ultimately connecting to the Association in an unexpected way. The NHPC is a member-driven association that supports and advocates for its members. A lot goes on behind the scenes to make that happen, ensuring members receive valuable benefits and services as seamlessly as possible. 

Many therapists maintain their membership simply to have their treatments reimbursed by insurance companies, but there are many other benefits to NHPC membership. For 30 years, the NHPC has served its membership in many ways. We offer several benefits to our holistic community. Here are some ways you can make the most of your membership!

Massage therapy is the leading complementary therapy used by Canadians. It can be used proactively to prevent illness, help manage mental health issues, and as treatment for chronic pain or an injury. However, for people with developmental disabilities, the positive effects of massage therapy are often overlooked.

February is Heart Month, the month in which the health community shines a light on the importance of cardiovascular health. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of heart disease include high levels of stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. Taking a holistic approach to managing lifestyle factors can help mitigate the risks of developing cardiovascular disease. Tai chi and qigong are two ancient practices that combine many important elements to support a healthy, active lifestyle.

Scrolling through Facebook or the news, you might come across some unusual new yoga classes: yoga with bubbles, yoga and beer, yoga raves, and even yoga and tacos. While these can be fun classes to attend, they can cloud the true purpose of many yoga practices. Each type of yoga has a specific focus and provides unique benefits to the practitioner.

You can practise Feldenkrais every day by being conscious of how you sit and stand, observing changes in your breathing and vision in response to certain movements, and noting pain when you move. When you find a way of moving that feels good and relieves discomfort, intentionally repeat those movements; eventually your body will adopt them as its innate way of performing tasks.

The holiday season is just weeks away! Inevitably there are a few of us scrambling to come up with great gifts for our loved ones in a short amount of time. Often the rush to purchase those last gifts is stressful and time consuming. This may ultimately lead us to buy something that "will do" instead of something that is meaningful. Supporting local businesses and craftspeople is a wonderful way to make the giving season rewarding and beneficial for both the community you live in and your loved one.

The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education (Feldenkrais) looks at the connection between the mind and body. It examines musculoskeletal conditions, issues within the nervous system, and recurring pain from repetitive stress injuries. From there, the therapy stimulates the nervous system's innate sensory motor activities. 

Mental health issues continue to be a growing concern in Canada. However, there is a growing movement to promote awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health problems. Various holistic practices can be used with other medical and therapeutic treatment plans to support those suffering from mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Stephen Lines, an NHPC member, prides himself on being a competent and more than capable massage therapist. It is his job to be the best he can be for the world-class athletes playing for the Edmonton Oilers. As a therapist for an NHL hockey team, Stephen is closely involved in each player's health and strength, ensuring they can perform at the highest level for the long 82-game seasons, and even into the playoffs.

Massage therapy regulation, or the formation of a Regulatory College of Massage Therapists, has become an important development in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba over the past years. With growing interest in the regulation of massage therapy, the NHPC surveyed its members in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta for their views. The results showed strong support for regulation in each of the provinces.

Running is one of the most popular cardiovascular exercises around. Whatever a runner's relationship to the sport, be it casual or committed, there is potential for injury, muscle fatigue, and tension. Massage and other holistic health treatments are a vital part of both injury prevention and rehabilitation. The following four treatments are essential to keeping runners active and healthy.

Bowen Technique is a hands-on therapy that addresses the whole body, restoring harmony to the musculoskeletal framework, fascia, nerves, and internal organs. Suzanne Daigle has been practising Bowen for five years. Bowen was the first treatment that gave Suzanne the results she was striving for and she knew she wanted to be able to help other people in that way.

Yoga is deeply rooted in history and traditionally represents a very dedicated way of life. While many of us are not able to commit to all of those practises, the yamas and niyamas are observances that we can reflect on daily. The Niyamas guide us in creating a mind-body spirit connection that fosters mindful contentment and personal growth. 

Yoga is deeply rooted in history and traditionally represents a very dedicated way of life. While many of us are not able to commit to all of those practises, the yamas and niyamas are observances that we can reflect on daily. The Yamas govern how we interact with the outside world and how we treat those we meet.

A less commonly known benefit of massage therapy is in the treatment of various women's health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual disorders, and difficulty conceiving. Massage is an effective way to support a woman as her body changes throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Amanda Roth, who has been practising massage for nine years, was drawn to holistic health after exploring many other paths.

Rosen Method Bodywork is a full-body treatment that uses gentle, non-manipulative touch and words to help clients drop into body awareness, allowing them to access the body's unconscious. Cinnamon Cranston is a Rosen Method Bodywork practitioner, registered massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner. Cinnamon found Rosen Method after undergoing eight years of therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada is excited to announce its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta in the Rejuvenation Project. Practitioners of various holistic health treatments will provide complimentary holistic health treatments to caregivers and their families who are staying at the House. 

The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada's (NHPC) member professionals are vital to Saskatchewan health care and provide essential services to thousands of Saskatchewan clients. Paul Buffel and Trish Cole are two of NHPC's 550 massage therapists in Saskatchewan, joining over 5,700 massage therapists nationwide. Here are the experiences of just two of their clients.

With temperatures continuing to plunge, ice storms, and severe cold warnings, it's no wonder that thousands of Canadians venture to warm destinations to escape the cold. With NHPC's 2017 Conference Series kicking off in Riviera Maya later this month, we are going to share a few helpful travel tips to prepare you for your winter escape, while staying holistically healthy!

Do you want to step up your romantic game this year, and skip the teddy bears and the box chocolate? Check out these holistic health ideas to reignite the romantic flame with your partner this Valentine's Day: couples massage, couples yoga, DIY aromatherapy bubble bath. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness preventing people from leading healthy lives with potentially devastating consequences. Several studies have proven holistic health practices successful in treating the symptoms of PTSD, including CranioSacral Therapy, Qigong, Yoga, and Tai Chi.

In order to create the balance between the mind and body, it's vital for you to stay holistically healthy — even at work! Here are three tips to help you stay holistically healthy in the New Year: daily meditation breaks, workplace fitness classes, and weekly holistic health treatments. 

The holiday season is great way to take a step back from work and everyday life, to enjoy spending time with family and friends. But, as we all know, the holidays can bring some unsolicited stress. Through applying these little holistic health tips, you can ward off the stress from unwelcome guests and overcooked food, and have a tension-free holiday season.

The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) states that a regulatory College, by law, would be responsible for the investigation of complaints from the public. "Currently the NHPC performs that regulatory function of investigation, discipline, and removing members from practice if necessary," says Kelly Sloan, NHPC's Chief Executive Officer.

Movember is back, where men sacrifice the clean-shaven look and embrace a little hairiness in order to raise awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's mental health and suicide prevention. Find out how several holistic health treatments have been proven to help treat these issues. 

As holistic therapies like CranioSacral Therapy (CST) become more and more mainstream, many people get the opportunity to try something they might not have otherwise heard about. Rhonda Lynn has been practising CST for six years. She credits gentle and consistent therapies like CST and Pilates with getting her moving again after a motorcycle accident.

Who says yoga isn't for everyone? Check out our latest Vlog where NHPC member, Marthe Murphy, demonstrates a structural movement and yoga therapy routine, designed to be done and modified for each individual's strengths and weaknesses (regardless of age, flexibility, or physical health).

Reiki is a Japanese energy technique, with Tibetan origins, where an emphasis is placed on the body's natural ability to heal itself. Helen Aikens is a massage therapist with the NHPC and a level two Reiki practitioner. She first became interested in studying Reiki as a massage therapy student.

Behind the experienced hands of many massage therapists are people with true dedication to your overall wellness. Michelle Blanchard, a Canadian Massage Therapist practising in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has always been fascinated by anatomy and all the workings of the human body, as well as driven by her innate compassion for people.

The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC), the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA), and the Remedial Massage Therapists Association (RMTA) delivered an Application for Regulation to the Alberta Government Department of Health. They will be jointly consulting their members this fall about the upcoming Alberta Massage Therapy regulation. 

Stress can help us stay alive and deal with basic threats, but long-term stressors can have a negative impact on our health. It's important to learn how to handle your stress and maintain your well-being. The key is having the resources and support system to manage it.

Jin Shin Do® translates as "the way of the compassionate spirit." Nothing could more accurately describe Kim MacEachran, a compassionate spirit who brings balance to her clients' lives. Kim believes that harmony and balance are important for herself, as well as for her clients. 

NHPC members came together with members from the Massage Therapist Association of (MTAA) and the Remedial Massage Therapists Association (RMTA) to give complimentary treatments to Fort McMurray evacuees from May 17 to May 19 in Edmonton and on May 16 and 21 in Calgary.