Our Health & Wellness Blog

Fear of Cancer Recurrence Pilot Project: Knowledge, Support, Practice & Community

July 29, 2026

By Anne Pitman, M.Sc., C-IAYT. Yoga Therapist. This spring the CHI ran its first Fear of Cancer Recurrence + Progression group.  With 15 wonderful participants, we ran four sessions (once a month), on Zoom. We’re planning many more sessions, starting in the fall.  But first, here are some reflections on our Pilot Project:   People…

Understanding the Mighty Vagus Nerve and How to Support It

July 25, 2026

By Anna Crandlemire, CST-T, RCRT. Certified Craniosacral Therapist, Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, and Lymph Drainage Therapist. In today’s fast paced and often stressful environments, it is helpful to understand how to support the process of downregulating the body back to a calm and restful place. After you have experienced stress, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS),…

Skin Cancer Awareness: What to Look for, and Tips for Enjoying the Sun Safely

June 19, 2026

By Dr. Anna Bullen, ND. May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and even though we’re now into June, the timing couldn’t be better to talk about sun safety. As Canadians head outdoors to enjoy the summer sun, it’s a great time to review how to protect our skin, what to watch for, and when to see a healthcare provider.    Screening Guidelines Currently, the Canadian Task Force on…

Healing the Gut in an Inflamed World

May 5, 2026

By Dr. Laura Batson, MSc, ND. What if the dysfunctions of your gut are intelligent responses to a dysfunctional world?   The body cannot be separated from the social, ecological, political, and historical systems it lives within. While both conventional and naturopathic approaches often focus on internal root causes-microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities, nervous system dysregulation,…

When Sustainability Meets Wellbeing: Five lifestyle shifts that lower your carbon footprint while improving your health

May 5, 2026

By Dr. Ellen Conte, ND. The health of humans and the health of our planet are tightly connected; an unhealthy planet negatively impacts human health.1 In honour of Earth Day 2026, let’s explore five actions you as an individual can take that improve your health as well as the health of our planet.   1.…

Playback Theatre Fundraiser in Support of Fear of Cancer Recurrence & Progression Program – Friday, May 22

March 29, 2026

Playback Theatre presents!   Shock and Resilience: Real Stories About Cancer   Friday, May 22, 2026 7:00 – 8:30 pm   Champlain Fieldhouse 140 Carleton Avenue (entrance on Cowley Avenue), Ottawa This fundraiser supports supports Yoga Therapist Anne Pitman’s new program at the Centre for Health Innovation: Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Progression. Playback theatre…

May Spring Find Us

March 27, 2026

By Lisa Paterson, Yoga Therapist, Movement & Meditation Teacher, Retired Psychotherapist. An Early Spring Practice   The arrival of Spring doesn’t guarantee Spring feelings, nor warm sunny weather! The arrival of Spring doesn’t mean that you automatically feel energized or hopeful. But it might be in contemplation of the Spring that some hope – or…

Cancer Prevention Month: The Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption

February 16, 2026

Cancer Prevention Month: The Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption

The Science of Why Habits Matter More Than Motivation

January 30, 2026

By Dr. Erica Rizzolo, ND. Setting New Year’s resolutions for our health and wellbeing can feel overwhelming, especially while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Research in integrative oncology and habit science has shown us some key principles that may make health goals easier to stick to over time.  Whether you’re aiming to stay active during treatment, eat well, quit smoking, manage side effects, or you just want to support someone you…

What would feed your soul today? Self care in these changing times.

January 19, 2026

By Amber Young, Registered Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher. For thousands of years our ancestors have connected with the stars to help presence themselves upon the earth, and to remember to slow down and listen.   The wisdom that travels through to us when we give ourselves quiet space, and connect with our natural world,…