2012 Holiday Hours

Lifehouse Holiday Hours:

Monday (24th) - 10 am-12
Tues, Wed - Closed
Thurs (27) 4 pm

Mon (31) - 12-3pm
(1) - Closed

Bonus Adjusting Hours - Friday, Jan 4th 10 am- 2pm

Can You Help? ~ The Beacon for Dec 18, 2012

Can you help us?  We are ready to serve more.  This means that we could be saving and transforming more people’s lives.  90% of all people that come to the Lifehouse meet us through ‘word of mouth’.  This is necessary because we don’t have the assistance of large drug companies and their unlimited advertising dollars to market their wares.  We rely on doing things the old fashioned way, and personally I kinda like it this way. 

If you are someone who believes in the vision of the Lifehouse, appreciates the quality of our work and would like to make a positive difference in other people’s lives, we would love your help.  We are looking for more people to join our conscious healing community at The Lifehouse

We have set up a program to make this easy for you and easy for them too, it’s called The Gift of Health.   Through the holiday season we will be offering complimentary gift certificates for people to visit The Lifehouse with their first visit, on us.   We have included a gift certificate (valued at $100) for you below so you can easily forward this invitation on to your friends and family electronically (we also have beautiful paper copies in the office if you would like some of those too).  In the past many of our clients have written a short introduction explaining from their heart what care at The Lifehouse has been like, how it has benefited them and then forwarded it on to their contact list.  This is a simple gesture that could have far reaching affects to the lives of many.

This truly is a win-win-win as it acts as a wonderful gift for you to give to the people you care about, helps to promote health in these people, and helps us fulfill our mission of creating a healthy vital Nanaimo area. 

Not sure who to refer?  Well this past year we have assisted people to heal themselves of things such as ADHD, Depression, Colitis, RA, ruptured disc’s, headaches, migraines, sciatica, colic and not to miss mentioning the myriad of others who have tapped into a greater quality of life and a greater relationship with their bodies and with themselves. The effects of chiropractic are really far reaching.  I firmly believe that every adult and child should, at the very least, be checked by a chiropractor to find out if they too can be helped with chiropractic care.  From there they can choose for themselves where they want to go with care, no strings attached.  I just want people to be in a place of informed choice. 

Imagine more people with lives transformed, healing things they were told they needed drugs or surgery to resolve, relationships mending, behaviors changing, attitudes shifting, hearts opening and spines aligning.  Just think of the ripple effect more conscious, healthy, on purpose people will have on our community. 

As you are sending those Christmas letters to your family and friends, or looking at your co-worker who is suffering from his third cold this month, or hearing your husband continue to complain about his nagging back pain why not offer them a Gift of Health?

There are people out there who need you to tell them what is possible for them – how else are they going to find out!  Together we are making a huge difference in Nanaimo, now let’s expand and grow.

How many lives are we going to LIGHT up this year?
Yours in service

Dr. Norm and The Lifehouse Gang

Holiday Stress Busters ~ The Beacon for Dec 12, 2012

By now I am sure you have found yourself in full stride of the holiday season.  I am always amazed this time of year just how tense people’s spines feel.  Without a doubt this is the most stressful time of year for many.  It is not surprising when you consider that most people cram 4 weeks of work into 3, and then for the final week we are encouraged to eat and drink indulgently, socialize excessively and abandon our normal rhythms and healthy practices. 

This year I encourage you to keep your health and wellbeing a focus.  Below you will find some simple tips to have your holidays not only joy filled but also healthy.  All the best!

Watch your breathing. Most of us don't breathe enough normally; we take shallow breaths and deprive ourselves of oxygen. Add stress to that and we can even become light-headed. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths. Inhale slowly and exhale more slowly. You'll be amazed at how relaxed you will feel!

Watch alcohol and food intake.  Just because it is offered to you doesn’t mean you need to partake in it.  And if you do have one - enjoy it; enjoy it so fully that you may not need a second, third or fourth.  There is nothing wrong with a small amount of alcohol, sweets, or rich foods; it is when we indulge in gluttonous behaviours that take us half of January to finish digesting what we ate for Christmas dinner that is a problem.  Moderation is key or consider upgrading your choices to:  

Indulge in healthy treats.  It is the season for indulging - how about indulging in a nice bag of organic nuts, dried fruit or some other exotic food that you really enjoy that your body would also enjoy (and thank you for).

Make sure you have some quiet, alone time scheduled. The social demands of holiday seasons are high. We are required to interact more with family, co-workers, etc. That can be very tiring, especially if socializing causes you anxiety. Factor in some down-time.

Plan one fun event just for you. You probably spend much time and effort ensuring others are taken care of and entertained this season. Remember to treat yourself - get a manicure, go to a heated driving range, babysit a friend's new puppy or read that new best-seller you've just received.

Connect with family to watch a favourite holiday movie or show.  Pull your family together, laugh, cry, and fill your hearts up with love.  The holiday season is such a time to nourish family connections.

Get some exercise.  Most usual exercise routines get abandoned this time of year. We are full of excuses. But exercise is a terrific stress-buster and it is a terrific way to burn off and move through last night’s cream cheese surprises or sweat out the extra Caesar you drank.  During this time of year we typically have a little extra down time which is just begging to be filled with walks, a yoga class or a run.  You will feel so much better for it.

Get enough rest.  This is a wonderful time of year to nourish your body with a little extra rest.   It’s okay to call it a night before the rest of the party, to sleep in a little extra or to enjoy an afternoon nap.  I dare you!

Be conscious.  Be aware of yourself; don’t turn your brain off.  When you reach for the next treat, pause and ask yourself is this really what I want (Consider the question – Is this going to clog me or cleanse me?)  If you do eat it, track yourself afterward in how it makes you feel 10 minutes or an hour later.  This year I have been blown away with how little I enjoy holiday treats.  Sure they taste great (for the two minutes I am chewing on them) but after that I am left with 60 minutes of dissatisfaction as my energy gets all wonky and I have a hard time focusing on anything.

Give healthy gifts.  Do they really need another box of chocolate?  Instead, how about giving them a yoga DVD or a bag of organic fruit or nuts?  These can be a very welcomed gift at this time of year. Or share our "Gift of Health" certificate (print the attached below) - to introduce your friend, co-worker, family member or neighbour to chiropractic and have their nerve system checked for interference. You'll never know the long-term difference you can make by inspiring someone to make their health and wellbeing a priority. And what better time to start then now and carry forward into 2013!

Remember being healthy doesn’t mean that you can't still have fun.  Quite the opposite.  You can have tonnes of fun and be healthy at the same time.  It just takes breaking some old habits and being creative.  Good luck!

Dr. Norm and his healthy crusaders

Valentina's Fall ~ The Beacon for Nov. 18, 2012

Valentina, a Lifehouse member, is now 5 months old.  And what a sweetheart she is!  Two weeks ago she had a major fall.  While resting on the change table her brother accidentally pulled her off of it.  A fall like this is not uncommon, in fact, The National Child Safety Council says that approximately 50% of children fall head first from a high place during their first year of life.   As common as it is, it is still a very significant experience for a little being to go through.  There was so much for her to process that later that afternoon she was throwing up - resulting in her mom taking her in to the emergency ward.  The attending doctor quickly looked her over and announced that there was nothing broken, her head felt fine and that she would get over it.

The next day Valentina came to our office.  Her stomach had settled, however her neck was completely displaced turned at a 50 degree angle towards her left shoulder.   There was a massive subluxation in the upper part of her spine.  Her mom informed me that she had been in this position all day since the accident.  Upon further examination it was apparent that her skull bones had misaligned as well, putting pressure onto her brain.  A gentle adjustment and her neck subluxation resolved itself by 80%, and on the next visit completely resolved and her cranial bones regained their natural cranial pulse restoring the flow of fluid to her developing brain.

I couldn’t help but think, "What would have happened if she had not been adjusted?"   I have met many children who were struggling with ear infections, who were recommended to have tubes put in their ears, a rather common procedure for children now a days.  With each of these children when I have assessed them I have found a subluxation in the upper part of the neck in the same area that Valentina was subluxated.  And with each of these children after a series of adjustments they were no longer challenged by recurrent ear infections.   Also recognizing that the cranial fluid is the only way the brain nourishes itself, proper nourishment is essential to optimal growth and development of the brain. 

Although children falling on their heads, having regular ear infections and having less than optimal mental function are all common they are by no means ideal.   The truth is, children live a high impact, high stressed life, just because they don’t tell you they have a headache doesn’t mean they don’t need an adjustment.  To ensure your children and the children of your loved ones are growing up to be the best that they can be have their nervous system checked today!

For a healthier and brighter community tomorrow,

Dr. Norm

 

 

Lifehouse Events

Wednesday, Nov. 21st 7-8:30    
Complimentary Health Essentials This is your opportunity to ask questions, hear more about chiropractic care and how it can support and impact your life, health and wellbeing.
Thursday, Nov. 29th 7 pm
Advanced Nutrition Talk
 Join Dr. Norm and learn about holistic nutrition and nourishment.  You will leave understanding what you can do to fascilitate easy ways to nourish yourself through the food you consume, awareness around what we digest (foods, thoughts, emotions) and you will be given a mini cookbook.

Learn :
What is the difference between nutrition and nourishment?
What are supperfoods and what is all the rave about?
Are you feeding your emotions or are you nourishing your body?
Why following Canada’s Food Guide is an unhealthy choice.

Reserve your space today by emailing transform@thelifehouse.ca or call 250 740 0333

 

Studio Hours

Monday            12-1:20   &   3:40-5:40

Tuesday           7:40-9:40   &   12 

Wednesday      12-5:40Thursday          7:40-9:40   &   12-1:20 pm 

The Permission Slip ~ The Beacon for Nov. 8, 2012

It is undeniable that your lifestyle, (including how you nourish your body with the foods you eat, your amount of physical activity, the thoughts you think and whether you get adjusted or not) is by far the leading cause or preventative factor for all lifestyle diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression and obesity.  Knowing this and then taking responsibility for this leaves you accountable for your health which may come as a great relief and for others may be disappointing.  Regardless, it is the truth.  You are ultimately responsible for your own health.  

I find it fascinating to witness people who have and are continuing to live unhealthy lives who go to their doctor with a concern.  Perhaps it is that they have had a minor heart attack, have diabetes or are suffering from depression.  The typical visit includes a physical assessment, lab work and other diagnostic findings followed by a short discussion and then the doctor writes on his or her white pad, a 'permission slip', a prescription for a drug that gives permission to that individual to continue living their unhealthy lifestyle.  So many people leave that visit feeling relived that the doctor found what was wrong and has determined which drug will cure them.   They have just been granted permission to continue living the same unhealthy life that they have been living.  Very convenient isn’t it?

Unfortunately, nature is not as permissive as our doctors.  Over time those symptoms will return as the body will adapt to it’s unhealthy environment, becoming more determined to intensify it’s adaptative response (like having high blood pressure when we are stressed), growing immune to the medication or will begin to express other side effects from the toxic load of this new drug.   Remember that nature always has the final word and nature cannot be cheated.  We must learn to live in balance and harmony with nature as we are part of nature.  Health is the result of this.  Disease is an indication that we are out of balance with nature.  Symptoms are the bodies cry to make a change.  To wake-up to our choices.  Whether you get permission from your doctor or not, it is as simple as that.

Sincerely,
Dr. Norm and The Lifehouse Team

Oil Spill In Nanaimo! ~ The Beacon for Nov. 1, 2012

People are coming together like never before to tell our provincial and federal governments that BC’s coast must be protected from tar sands pipelines and tankers.

Although this is not a health issue and may seem like a non-chiropractic topic, when one is rooted in a vitalistic perspective of life it is impossible to separate the health of the individual from the health of the planet.  

If the pipelines are built, there will be a massive increase in supertanker traffic on BC’s coast - including 84% more traffic through the Hecate Straight, the fourth most dangerous waterway in the world. The biggest tankers will carry 8 times as much oil as the Exxon Valdez spilled.  Many people agree it is not if a tanker spill occurs, it is a question of when.  

For a moment imagine what your life would be like if a spill did occur.  How would this affect your business, the value of your home, the places that you visit for outdoor recreation and holidays?  What about the wildlife, the plants and our valuable oceans?  A spill would change everything for us on this beautiful island that we live on.  What is to be gained, to support an industry that we know is unsustainable, that needs to be replaced with something more viable, more congruent with the times?  

When I was a kid the destruction of the Amazon rainforest was the largest environmental disaster on the planet, today it is the oil fields in Alberta.  Wow!  There is a small window of time to change this forever, and the effects will be felt for generations to come.  I urge you to take action in what ever way you feel call to do so.  Email your local MP, sign the facebook page, join a rally, stand up, your voice matters.  

Yours in health of the individual and that of the planet. 

Dr. Norm

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9MeEEf9mZY&list=UUJEhb1J1VznvzO-PTNNxnTQ&index=1&feature=plcp

http://defendourcoast.ca/oct24/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Upcoming Events  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, Nov. 7th 7-8:30    
Complimentary Health Essentials 
This is your opportunity to ask questions, hear more about chiropractic care and how it can support and impact your life, health and wellbeing.

Tuesday, Nov. 13th 7-10 pm $30    
Somato Respiratory Integration 
Using tools, resources & strategies from The 12 Stages of Healing, by Dr. Epstein, develop and expand your connection with your body and breath.

Wednesday, Nov. 21st 7-8:30     
Complimentary Health Essentials 
This is your opportunity to ask questions, hear more about chiropractic care and how it can support and impact your life, health and wellbeing.

Reserve your space today by emailing transform@thelifehouse.ca or 
call 250 740 0333

Heather Spreads Her Wings ~ The Beacon for Oct. 25, 2012

The one thing constant in life is change.  That is especially true if you are growing.  In fact, stasis is one of the best indicators of disease.  

As many of you may already know and I imagine some of you are wondering, Heather is making some significant life changes.  As much as I have enjoyed working alongside of her (now over 3 ½ years) and we will forever share our vision of a healthier, happier planet her role in The Lifehouse is changing.  Of course being the heart of The Lifehouse you will still see her around, see her touches in our emails and videos and will hear from her from time to time on phone calls.

I can’t tell you yet what her plans are but what I can tell you is she has already been approached by three different people wanting to co-create with her.  It is safe to say her expression in the world is blossoming.  I am so proud of you Starshine!  

Courage is taking that step in the dark and finding a hand there to guide you!  

I know many of you are aware that it would be nice for your life to change as you are living in and working in situations that no longer serve you.   I dare you to summon your courage and take that first step, ask for help and go for it.  I leave you with this poem by Guillaume Apollinaire that sums it up.  Until next time be well and spread your own wings.  

Dr. Norm

“Come to the edge.' 

'We can't. We're afraid.' 

'Come to the edge.' 

'We can't. We will fall!' 

'Come to the edge.' 

And they came. 

And he pushed them. And they flew.” 

~ Guillaume Apollinaire

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Huge thank you to all the 350+ guests in attendance for Dr. James Chestnut's talk.  

We appreciate each and everyone of you for your continued commitment and interest in your health and wellbeing.

Thank you to the following very special people who contribution made it such a powerful evening:

Toni, Power House Living Foods Co.

Kavita and Daniel, Red Door Yoga

Jane, Nanaimo Athletic Club

Andre Nobels for his beautiful gift of music.

Thank you to all the chiropractors for your support.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The value in the exchange ~ The Beacon for Oct. 13, 12

"Don't die with your music still inside you" a quote shared recently by Dr. Wayne Dyer.  Great advice to live by and share your unique gifts and passion to their full potential.  While I was preparing for a yoga class it dawned on me that to expand on this the music needs to be heard to be fully appreciated and understood.  Once that clear message is sent and received both parties benefit from the exchange.  

Whether it be a compliment, advice or directions if you're lost, the exchange of information, ideas and gifts create opportunities for learning, growth and new perspectives on both sides. Have you ever attended a concert or theatrical presentation and the crowd was really into the event, clapping and screaming, which seemed to inspire the performer, which feed the audience even more and a upward spiral of energy occurred?  In contrast there are times when the message was not fully received,  have you ever hugged someone who wasn't interested and they stand there with 'limp fish-arms' as you give them a squeeze and you both walk away feeling flat?  

This week we have a great opportunity to experience a powerful presentation by Dr. James Chestnut, an international speaker on wellness who will be here in Nanaimo to share his wealth of knowledge and experience to a room filled with vital, vibrant people committed to their expanding health and wellness.  This is a phenomenal opportunity for each one of us to connect to a very powerful, tangible message.  

With each person in attendance adding their energy and enthusiasm the vibration ripples out from the event to our community, our country and beyond

The more I hear about Dr. Chestnut professionally and personally, the deeper the sense I get of what a treat each one of us is in Wednesday, Oct 17th.

On my own healing journey of personal development and growth I've invested all sorts of time, energy and resources to attend workshops and hear speakers and have literally traveled around the world to do so.   It's nice for a change to have something of this high caliber be available locally.

We are truly fortunate to have the North Vancouver Island Chiropractic Society (a local group of chiropractors who have banded together) with the support of Power House Living Foods Co. and Red Door Yoga to welcome Dr. Chestnut to our "backyard" for a fantastic evening.   I encourage you to come listen to Dr. Chestnut’s music and meet it with the fair exchange that is deserved.

Sincerely,

Heather

Trust ~ The Beacon for Sept. 20, 2012

One of my mentors, Dr. Arno Burnier, has said “The power of trust is the most power force in the world”.  Before this past week I have understood this quote on some level but never to the depth of it’s truth.

This past week was one of the most exhilarating weeks for me.  With Heather putting together our last minute plans before heading off for a two week retreat/workshop/honeymoon things were moving very quickly.   For those who do not know we are heading off Friday for Italy to join Dr. Wayne Dyer and 300 other conscious loving people on a journey through Italy, Greece and Turkey.  This was an event that we have been intending, visualizing, wishing for, and planning for over 3 years.  Dreams do come true!

As many of you know how quickly things happen in preparation before holiday and this time the stakes were heightened.   This was a cruise, which meant the planning was almost entirely done for us, relax Norm let go and have fun.  Also with us being away for two weeks (this is the longest I have ever been away from The Lifehouse in over 7 years) we have taken the time to arrange another Chirorpactor to come in and cover for me while I am away.  (Dr. Miguel is a great Chiropractor and someone I see regularly and even knows Network so his adjusting will feel similar to mine, you are in good hands).   Another letting go, leaving my baby, The Lifehouse, in the hands of Danielle and Dr. Miguel... big breath Norm. 

In addition to this as many of you know we are featuring a major Wellness & Prevention presentation on Oct 17^th in Nanaimo with Dr. James Chestnut (a leader in the industry and an international speaker on health and wellness) at the Vancouver Conference Centre just 10 days after I return.  This is an event that I have been planning now for over 6 months, have over 100 hours invested into and $1000’s of dollars to boot.  Leading into this week we had only sold ¼ of the tickets.  Big breath Norm, trust it is all going to work out.   On Tuesday night we had a Chiropractic Society meeting, I knew it was a great opportunity.   A side note, in the past it would have been quite easy for me to get in my own way, self destruct, with my mind finding things to worry about and abort the plan just to prove my outdated belief that things don’t work out for me.  This time was different.  I felt relaxed, almost irresponsibly at ease.  But it wasn’t irresponsible as I had been very intentional and responsible with the 6 months of prep work.  This time I could relax into my trust.   There was a giant swell of momentum happening in my life, I was instructed to just ride the wave.  And ride the wave I did.   I am relieved to announce that we are now 80% sold out.  (Don’t worry we have save some tickets for our community at home base).

Lastly just to add some spice to it all... we have just completed the process of recruiting another team member to complement our wonderful team.  Again a process that began long ago.  With interviews scheduled throughout the week I found myself relaxing into the know that it was all working out.  I am pleased to announce that we have just recruited an amazing woman, Michelle, who was our top pick even before we began the process.

Through all of this I am reminded that when we are aligned, we are in the flow with universal source energy.  When we are in the flow we can relax and trust knowing that we are working with the greatest force in the world.  I know have a greater appreciation for Dr. Arno’s quote that “Trust is the most powerful force on the planet.”

Have a great next two weeks.  I am going to unplug (you won’t be hearing from me), relax, recharge, refocus and prepare to rock out the year when we return.

Yours in trust.

Dr. Norm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Hot off the Press ~ Tickets are ready and moving fast....  "Eat Well", "Move Well" and "Think Well" - key concepts to support Nanaimo and area in expanding their health and wellbeing.

The Wellness and Prevention Paradigm with Dr. James Chestnut

presented by "North Vancouver Island Chiropractic Society" and sponsored by Power House Living Food Co. and Red Door Yoga

Wed, Oct 17th - 7 pm

@ the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC - 

$25/ticket 

Two for $40

Available at the Lifehouse Chiropractic Studio (in person or by calling (250) 740-0333)

at Power House Living Food Co. (both locations 6560 Metral Drive 933-3733 or 200 Commercial 591-7873  and 

Red Door Yoga (7282 Aulds Rd. 390-9367)

Or one of the participating Chiropractic offices or local businesses

With permission to post from Dr. James Chestnut -http://www.thewellnesspractice.com/
For the extended video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wsinDsogpw

Save The Date ~ The Beacon for Sept 14, 2012

Wednesday, Oct 17^th marks an important date as the largest crowd ever in Nanaimo will gather for a Health and Wellness talk.   This is a sign of the times.  Nanaimo is full of conscious and health minded people.  More chiropractors, healers, raw food stores are opening in this town than ever before.  People are realizing the importance of being proactive when it comes to their health.  That they are tired of waiting for things to 'break down' before they do anything about it.  They want to feel good, feel alive, and function at their optimal level.  

On Oct 17^th we are bringing you one of the world’s most respected experts on Health and Wellness, Dr. James Chestnut.  He is someone who I have been learning from for now over 12 years.  If you were to take a poll of all the chiropractors in town I am positive that they would rate Dr. Chestnut as one of their top three, if not their top teachers.  He travels around the world teaching doctors and lay people alike as to what it takes to be healthy and well. 

This event is being spearheaded by yours truly, it will be a sold out event so I want to make sure we have enough tickets for our people at The Lifehouse.  Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in attending so we can reserve some tickets for you.

Over the next three weeks we will be showcasing a series of videos by Dr. James Chestnut so you can be informed by his message whether you attend or not.  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfsJstajlGg&feature=relmfu

P.S.  Just a reminder:  Heather and Dr. Norm will be attending a workshop for two weeks from Sept 24^th to Oct 7^th, but don’t worry we are leaving you in good hands.  Dr. Miguel Arbez will be covering our practice.  Dr. Arbez has been trained in Network Spinal Analysis so you receive the same gentle precise care that you have grown to appreciate with me. 

P.P.S.  A big shout out of thanks to Power House Living Foods Co. and Red Door Yoga for sponsoring this event.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Your Story ~ The Beacon for Sept. 6, 2012

What is your story?  What is the story you tell yourself about who you are?  When you tell other people who you are what do you say?  Some people are addicted to their story.  

Some people are a victim to their story.  And other people are willing to let their old story go for a new one.  

Does your story put a smile on your face?  Does it warm your heart?  Are you open to it changing?

What is the story that you repeat in your head?  You know the one.  The one that goes around and around.  

If you could rewrite your story what would it be?  Or perhaps this is just the beginning of a new chapter.  How would it go?  

Our stories lay trapped as energy stuck in our body.   Find the stuck energy and you have found your story.  Free the stuck energy and you have freed the story.

Dr. Norm

P.S. Save the date, Oct 17th.   The North Vancouver Island Chiropractic Society, is bringing in Dr. James Chestnut to speak in Nanaimo at the Convention Center.  You would recognize Dr. James’ face from the cover of his book 'The Wellness And Prevention Paradigm' which is often around our office. This will be a sold out event, but since yours truly is organizing the event you can preorder your tickets from us now.  Tickets are just $20.