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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
From healing light to breast cancer support groups, the first NWT Wellness Conference brought agencies from around the North to Yellowknife last weekend.

Michaelis Hurst, left, demonstrates cupping on Carrie Lehman at Sir John Franklin High School last Saturday afternoon during the NWT Wellness Conference. The technique involves using suction on the skin to improve blood flow and acts as a form of massage. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

The three-day event, organized by a steering committee made up of experts in wellness, marketing and event management, introduced participants to various speakers and health education topics from Feb. 15 to 17.

Around 300 people came out to take part in the conference over the weekend, according to steering committee member Sylvie Francoeur.

Two of the three days were held at Sir John Franklin High School. The first day consisted of a keynote address at the Baker Centre by Dr. Henri McKinnon, from Insight Counselling and Training Inc.

Saturday and Sunday were filled with workshops and the exhibition floor, where one could learn about everything from massage to the benefits of cold lasers.

Marg Palfy said the cold lasers are a form of photon energy that energize the body's cells, the same way a plant uses the sun.

"I thought it would be a good idea to bring it here," she said. "People seem to be responding really well to it. Maybe it's the increased light."

Marlo Thomas, who attended the conference on Saturday, said she found it interesting to see the number of resources available.

Thomas became interested in alternative medicine after spraining her elbow last summer.

Through an Internet search, she found some people had some luck with massage and decided to look into it.

"Obviously a sprain was going to hurt," said Thomas. "But after a few months I still had a throbbing sensation so I started weekly massages and it helped a lot."

Naturopathic medicine focuses on the causes behind pain, said Saeid Mushtagh, a naturopathic doctor at the NW Naturopathic Clinic in Yellowknife.

"In the right environment, the body heals itself. We are really the missing link between traditional wisdom and a scientific approach," said Mushtagh.

It's also a very individualized approach to medicine, he added.

"You look at the root causes behind the disease or pain. Instead of just saying, 'Here's some Advil for your headache,' you look into what's causing the headache."

Although it's the first conference, Maxine Lacorne from the Healing Drum Society is hoping it would become a regular occurrence.

"They should come around all the time. It's a chance to find out what's out there and what can help," she said.

Michaelis Hurst demonstrated cupping, in which suction is created on the skin to improve blood flow and act as a form of massage, during the conference.

"It opens up your pores and can ease muscle pain," said Hurst.

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