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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.

As a holistic practitioner, you may feel that some of your workplace responsibilities are not always as environmentally friendly as you would like them to be. However, you can take steps to make your holistic health practice more "green". By reducing paper, water usage, and waste, you can begin to make your practice more environmentally friendly. While these steps may seem small, little changes have a big impact over time.

Approximately half of all Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life, and a quarter will die of the disease. There are numerous treatments available that aim to kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading. These treatments are extremely hard on the body because they have to be aggressive enough to target the cancer cells. 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.

Holistic health practices are vital to the health and wellness of Canadians. 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.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve a person's overall emotional and physical state. Essential oils are derived from aromatic plants, and have been known for their healing properties. These chemical aromatics are extracted from the plants and then applied directly to the skin in a diluted form or used aromatically. Aromatherapy can be an effective way to treat anything from anxiety and stress to digestive issues and headaches.

On September 30, 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 so much to do during the summer months from hiking, gardening, playing summer sports, or chasing your kids around the playground, it always seems like the summer is the busiest time of the year. When life becomes crazy and exciting, we forget about self-care and how important it is. Here are some reasons that you should take some time for yourself and book a massage this summer:

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; however 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.

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 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 (NHPC) 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.

The winter can be a tough time; temperatures seem to drop every day, darkness comes faster and faster, and as always, the roads are a nightmare. Many Canadians suffer from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Use these four tips to get out of that dreaded winter gloom using holistic health treatments.

Movember is back, where men sacrifice the clean-shaven look and embrace a little hairiness in order to raise aware 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, 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.