Finding health, one step at a time. La santé, une étape à la fois.
Natural Treatment Modalities & Services
We strive to motivate our clients to adopt holistic and natural strategies that will support them in every day challenges. Our mission is to assess our patient or client’s individual needs while guiding them towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Our focus is on overall wellbeing whether physical, spiritual or mental. We hope to share our passion and knowledge with you!
Our clinic is now open and we are seeing patients and clients in person by appointment only. Strict COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of all our practitioners. We will continue to offer services online as well. You can book your appointment online or by emailing your practitioner directly.
Our Services For Your Mind, Body & Spirit
Upcoming Events
7-Day Summer Fresh Meal Plan
Summer is the time to eat fresh and seasonal foods. Our menu includes our favourite grilling recipes, summer drinks and… Read more…
When: Available until August 31stFee: $9.99 + tax
Click here to register.
Mindful Meditation with Helen
Join Helen for a 45-minute online guided meditation session every Wednesday evening at 8pm during the month of August. Be… Read more…
When: Every Wednesday in August, 8:00-8:45 pmFee: $20 for all 4 meditations
Email Helen directly to register. Meditations start Wednesday August 5th.
Online Mindful Yoga with Sonja
Sonja is offering a number of FREE live yoga and meditation sessions via Zoom. Unroll your mat in the comfort… Read more…
When: Weekly schedule posted aboveFee: Prices vary between $60 to $150 depending on option chosen.
Email Sonja for more option or to register.
Time to Reduce and Reuse
Bring your empty container and refill on all your home essentials and beauty care products with Erika, of Park Market… Read more…
When: Sunday August 16th, 11am to 1pmFee: Cost will vary according to the products you purchase
For a list of their products, click here. Parker the van will be in front of the clinic, at 88 Nelson St in Bronte. Don’t forget your empty refillable containers.
Reflexology with Lucy
Reflexology is deeply relaxing and very enjoyable, but it also can help manage a host of health issues. Your body… Read more…
When: Thursday August 13th & Sunday August 16thFee: $45 - $79 depending on the length of treatment. ***$10 off all treatments during the week of August 9th-16th.
Email Lucy to book your appointment or phone her at 647-856-0003
The Learning Centre
Mango Ginger Smoothie
On a hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing than a smoothie, especially our Mango Ginger Smoothie. Packed with nutrients and freshness, our Mango Ginger Smoothie will keep you satiated for a few hours. It is a meal in itself or can be used as a post-workout snack. Adding ginger gives it that extra zest and spiciness. If you are new to using fresh ginger in a smoothie, you may find it a little strong. So start small until you get used to the taste, then increase the amount as you feel more comfortable.
Ginger – A Powerful Nutrient
Ginger is a healthy ingredient to add to any meal, including smoothies like our Mango Ginger Smoothie. Ginger is known for its gastro-intestinal benefits. It can help alleviate intestinal gas and be quite soothing and relaxing for the intestinal tract. It has also been studied for its effective way of relieving nausea in general, as well as symptoms of motion sickness. It is safe to use, even in pregnancy.
Gingerol, an active component in ginger, has also been studied for its effectiveness at reducing inflammation, including joint pain in arthritic patients.
Some studies have shown, that the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger may be effective at reducing or preventing various types of cancers. More studies need to be done in that area but it certainly looks promising. Its antimicrobial properties may also be effective at fighting colds and flus.
Include Ginger Daily
Want to increase your intake of ginger? Apart from this Mango Ginger Smoothie, we have many other recipes on our website that include this amazing ingredient, from soups such as our Carrot Asparagus Ginger Soup, or even a healthy snack like our Ginger Macadamia Balls . Next time you make a smoothie, remember to add a little ginger for a lot of healthy benefits.
Click here for the printable version of this recipe.
1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
What you need:
- 1/2 frozen ripe banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mango pieces
- 1 cup leafy greens
- 1 inch cube gingerroot*, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp coconut yogurt
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 1 scoop unflavoured protein powder
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel (optional)
*If you are new to adding fresh ginger to your smoothie, start with a smaller amount.
What you do:
- Combine all ingredients in your high-speed blender and blend until you have a homogenous liquid.
- Pour into a glass jar and enjoy.
Nutrient Information Per Serving:
Fat 7g Carbs 34g Fibre 7g Sugar 19g Protein 24g
Culinary Tips:
- You can use any non-dairy milk in this recipe.
- You can omit the yogurt and it won’t affect the taste.
- You can make this recipe with fresh, unfrozen banana and mango. It will just be less cold and thick.
- No flax seeds? Use chia seeds instead.
- You can replace the protein powder with 2 tbsp hemp seeds. Note that the protein count will go down.
Bon appétit!
Nacho Soup
If you are feeling a little Mexican, then this Nacho Soup is the perfect way to warm you up on a cool summer night. At C’est La Vie Wellness, we love soups because it is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables. In the case of this Nacho Soup, we also used chili walnut meat that was left over from our Sweet Potato Nachos recipe.
Turmeric – The King of Anti-inflammation
Turmeric is what gives our Nacho Soup its nice golden colour. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is know for its numerous health benefits, especially for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that curcumin can help with the management of conditions such as metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, cholesterol, muscle soreness, and exercise-induced inflammation.
Enhancing Bioavailabily
There are two ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin in our body. First, because curcumin binds to fats, it is suggested to take it with a source of fat. Our soup contains avocado oil and almond meal, both of which are great sources of healthy fats. The second way is to combine it with some black pepper. The active ingredient piperine, found in black pepper, has been shown to enhance the absorption of curcumin (the active incredient in turmeric).
Other Turmeric Recipes
Want to increase your intake of turmeric? Apart from this Nacho Soup, we have many other recipes on our website that include this amazing ingredient, from Turmeric Pumpkin Pancakes, to many of our soups such as our Carrot Asparagus Ginger Soup, or Healing Turkey Noodle Soup, . Next time you make a soup from scratch, just add a few tsp of turmeric to the mix and reap all the healthy benefits.
Click here for the printable version of this recipe.
4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
What you need:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated gingerroot
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 corn on the cobs*
- 3 cups bone broth
- 1 1/2 cup cooked black beans (398ml can)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup chili walnut meat (optional)*
*Find the recipe for walnut meat as part of our Sweet Potato Nachos.
What you do:
- In a large saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened. Add in the garlic and ginger. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Mix in the turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir well and continue cooking for a minute.
- Remove corn kernels from the cob. Add to the saucepan along with the carrots, bone broth, black beans, and salsa. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until all vegetables are soft.
- Blend in the chili walnut meat. Taste and adjust seasonings. Heat through.
- Spoon into bowls. Top with nacho pieces.
Nutrient Information Per Serving:
Fat 14g Carbs 42g Fibre 11g Sugar 10g Protein 17g
Culinary Tips:
- Replace the walnut meat with ground beef or cooked chicken.
- If corn on the cob is not available, use 1 cup of frozen corn instead.
- No salsa? Then use 1 cup canned diced tomatoes.
- Top with some yogurt, avocado pieces, and/or fresh herbs.
Bon appétit!
Understanding Inflammation
By Lyne Desforges, Registered Holistic Nutritionist & Culinary Expert
The Body’s Natural Inflammatory Response
Inflammation is a popular word in the wellness industry, however its overuse may have given the wrong impression about its purpose. Being inflamed is not always a bad thing. It can mean that the body is working normally to fight off pathogens and infections. The problem occurs when you are in a constant inflammatory state.
Acute Inflammation
The body has a natural inflammatory response to any injury or trauma. For example, if you hit your toe, your body will mount an inflammatory response by dilating blood vessels. This enables extra blood to go to the region, which explains the hotness and redness. This blood carries immune system cells (white blood cells) that will help with the healing process. These cells also signal the body to move fluid to the area of the injury, hence the swelling. Your nerves are sending you pain signals so you know to be careful with your toe, possibly resting it so it can heal. This is an acute inflammatory response, the body’s natural response to an injury or a trauma.
Symptoms of an acute inflammatory response:
- Heat
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Loss of function
Colds and Flus
Seasonal allergies, or cold and flu symptoms are signs that the body is having an acute inflammatory response to an allergen, a pathogen, a virus, or an infection. Mucous membranes release more fluid when they are inflamed. For example, a stuffy nose is a sign that your body is trying to flush out a pathogen from your nasal passages.
Chronic Inflammation
The problem occurs when your body is in a constant state of inflammation, in response to a recurring trigger. It is like you keep hitting your toe over and over again. This is chronic inflammation. This will translate in symptoms that show up in different ways according to different people, usually a point of weakness often pre-determined by your genetic makeup.
For example, if your point of weakness is in your joints, inflammation will show up as arthritis. If your point of weakness is in your lungs, inflammation will show up as bronchitis. If it in your colon, then you may get colitis. (Note that any condition that ends up in “itis” is an inflammatory condition).
Symptoms of chronic inflammation:
- Body pain
- Constant fatigue & insomnia
- Depression, anxiety and other mood disorder
- Gastrointestinal issues – constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux
- Weight gain
- Frequent infections
Auto-immune diseases
With chronic inflammation, the inflammatory response is not helping the body heal but causing harm. The immune system is fighting against its own cells and acting as if regular tissues are infected. These conditions are referred to as auto-immune diseases . Examples of auto-immune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis & other skin rashes, MS, type 1 diabetes, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Testing For Inflammation
Depending on your condition, your healthcare practitioner will be able to determine if your body is in an inflammatory state or if you have an auto-immune disease.
Some of the tests or tools used can be:
- Looking at symptoms
- MRIs and/or X-rays
- Blood test for these markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE).
Conventional vs Alternative Medicine
Conventional medicine tends to treat the symptoms rather than the cause. You have pain, let’s give you painkillers. Don’t get me wrong. There is certainly a place for them when the pain is extreme, but the pain will keep coming back if the trigger is not dealt with.
Alternative medicine will look for the cause of your inflammation and work at reducing or eliminating those triggers. You keep hitting your toe? Maybe you need to move a table out of the way, so you stop hitting it over and over again.
Triggers can be from foods, your environment, your lifestyle, or stress. Working with our naturopath Dr. Sofie, I found out what my triggers were and worked at eliminating those while working on healing and repairing my gut. This is a long process and will take time, but often the body has been inflamed for a long time as well. You need to be patient.
We Can Help You
So, next time you hit your toe, be thankful that your body has a natural inflammatory response. However, if you are in constant pain or have an “itis” condition, consider seeing an naturopathic doctor or alternative medicine healthcare practitioner so you can deal with the root cause and get the problem resolved. At C’est La Vie Wellness, we have many practitioners that can support you as you try to reduce inflammation in your body as I successfully did with the help of Dr. Sofie ND.
References
“Autoimmune Diseases.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm
Elmer, Jamie. “Understanding Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, M.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/inflammation
Szalay, Jessie. “What Is Inflammation?” LiveScience, Purch, 19 Oct. 2018, www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
“What Is an Inflammation?” InformedHealth.org [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Feb. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/
Zelman, David. “Inflammation: Definition, Diseases, Types, and Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, 13 Sept. 2018, www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation.
Reiki: What Is It & What Are The Benefits
By Helen Kwon, Reiki Master & Intuitive Healer
Origins of Reiki
Reiki is a form of energy medicine that was founded in the early 1900’s by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist Monk. It is a gentle and safe method of healing that fosters spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being. The root of the word Reiki, comes from the Japanese word, ‘Rei’, which refers to ‘Universal Life’ and ‘Ki’, meaning ‘Life-Force Energy’. Therefore, it is the universal life force energy that flows through all beings.
How Does Reiki Work
Within every cell of our body, energy frequencies are continually being emitted. These flow throughout our energy centres (our chakras) and connect us with the universal life force energy. When our flow of energy becomes stagnant, sluggish or blocked due to physical ailments/injuries, emotional distress/traumas or when experiencing a spiritual disconnection, it affects our whole being. This impedes our own body’s innate ability to heal itself, and may leave us prone to illness and emotional/spiritual distress.
Reiki works by channeling this universal healing energy through the hands of the Reiki practitioner unto the client. The Reiki Master is enabling the flow of healing energy to the different chakras located throughout the body. Reiki can be done on people of all ages and is even suitable for animals.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
During a Reiki session, clients are asked to lie on a reiki table (fully clothed), and begin to focus on their breath with their eyes closed. I start off by scanning my client’s energy systems to get an idea of which energy centres require the most attention. As some meditative music plays in the background, my clients begin to enter a state of relaxation. Most people go into a deep meditative state and often fall asleep. I use my hands to channel healing energy throughout my client’s body, by placing them over different energy points. Although everyone’s experience with Reiki is different, during a session, you may experience some tingling sensations, body twitches, see lights and bright colours, feel heat throughout your body, notice a heightened sense of emotions or experience vivid dreams. Each session brings with it a new and unique experience.
Distant Reiki
Distant Reiki works on the same principle as an in-person session because Reiki connects with spiritual and energetic frequencies. I often equate these frequencies to wi-fi signals. We cannot see them at work but we know they exist and what they can produce. Universal energy is not bound by space, distance or time. Due to the limitations of social distancing, Distant Reiki has allowed me the opportunity to be of service to my clients during these challenging times. The only way to fully understand and appreciate Distant Reiki, is to experience it for yourself.
Benefits of Reiki
I know firsthand the benefits of Reiki as I discuss in my own transformational journey. Each session will provide a different experience and the benefits will vary from person to person. The scientific community has finally recognized that Reiki can contribute to a person’s healing journey and many of the benefits observed are as follows:
- Deeper Connection to Self
- Relaxes & Rejuvenates
- Decreases Pain Symptoms
- Improves Mental Clarity & Focus
- Decreases Levels of Stress & Anxiety
- Accelerates Wound Healing
- Supports Good Immune Function
- Improves Quality & Quantity of Sleep
- Slows Down the Aging Process
- Supports Good Digestive Function
- Releases and Clears Emotional Blocks
- Elevates your Mood
Reiki For Your Own Healing
If you would like to experience a reiki session, in person or by virtual means, feel free to contact me. Come with an open mind, and let your body, mind and spirit completely relax. You may be surprised by the benefits it will bring to your overall well-being.
