Naomi Nicholson of Secluded Wellness Centre feels privileged to be able to teach workshops and be a role model to other First Nations members. She celebrated five years of providing close to 350 clients in the Alberni Valley with holistic health advice on Nov. 1.
Secluded Wellness Centre offers realistic, attainable holistic health advice that aims to be budget friendly.
Nicholson is a certified holistic health practitioner who incorporates many methods, including shiatsu massage and reiki, that provide relaxation or pain management.
“In my five years of business I think I’ve had about 350 clients for massage and health and wellness, and I’m probably underestimating but I’d say about 800 to 900, maybe 1,000, that I’ve taught in workshops,” Nicholson said.
Specializing in chronic health issues, Nicholson helps people understand how their body functions.
“It’s a real baby step approach…we have to get the lifestyle habits to change to get you to where you want to be,” Nicholson said. “We’re supposed to get what we need from food and when food doesn’t provide us with what we need…we need to supplement our body with a higher concentration of something.”
Having more than 15 years experience in health and wellness, Nicholson said she has heard several misconceptions towards alternative medicine.
“People think I’m against western medicine but we’re supposed to be complementary. Doctors know how to stitch you up and give you medication if you really need it but when it comes to lifestyle stuff that’s not their specialty,” Nicholson said.
Having obtained her diploma from the healing arts college, Windsong School of Healing, Nicholson said a lot more people are turning to alternative medicine for healing.
“I really want to explain to people how the body works so they understand what’s going on with their body,” Nicholson said. “If I can tell you what the root cause of your symptom is, it’s a lot easier to address it or not be so scared by it if you know where it’s coming from.”
At a five-year anniversary celebration for Secluded Wellness Centre on Nov. 1, Nicholson gave thanks to those who helped her from the beginning of her business venture, including the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation where she received most of her business loans.
(Story continues below)
Nicholson told those in attendance that her Indian name is Qwi-na which came from her great-grandmother, who was a medicine woman.
“When I found out who my name came from… I got goosebumps all over. I take the meaning of my Indian name very seriously and make sure that everything I do is with the best intentions,” Nicholson said.
“I get to change people’s lives, I get to make them feel better and that’s not a job, that’s something that I get to do.”
karly.blats@albernivalleynews.com
facebook.com/albernivalleynews
