Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 07/01) - Chartered herbalist Michelle Wakeman says alternative medicine is all about prevention.

She says people often go to medical doctors when feeling sick and expect an instant cure.

But there's a lot people can do to keep themselves healthy, according to Wakeman, who works at Sundance Health in Centre Square Mall.

Many people come into the store complaining of a lack of energy. "Everyone seems to be burnt out," she says. Although individual cases vary, Wakeman often recommends a cleanse or detox to rid the body of toxins.

She says toxins create blockages that make people feel sluggish. People also need to eat the right foods for their blood type, she explains. She says people with different blood types digest food differently. "That's a real big focus."

In addition to herbs, Sundance sells an assortment of products including vitamins, oils, teas and books. Sundance is the only place in Yellowknife to sell certain types of body building and weight-loss products.

In under five minutes, two male customers ask Wakeman's advice. The first customer wants to lose weight, the second wants to gain. She explains how the bodybuilding products work and they both buy something.

"I like communicating with people and sharing my knowledge," she says.

Many Sundance customers regularly read up on alternative medicine or body building on their own. "A lot of people come in and know what they want."

Wakeman grew up in Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Years ago, she moved to Vancouver where she studied herbs. But last summer, she returned to Yellowknife for an Akaitcho Hall reunion and decided to stay. "As soon as I landed I knew ... I decided Yellowknife was home and it needs my expertise," she says, laughing.

Wakeman took her first herb course in 1980. "I realized there are so many natural things that can heal," she says.

Back then, more people dismissed alternative medicine. "I've been into this for 20 years," she says. "People are finally realizing they have to take care of themselves. That's the whole thing about herbs -- it's preventative medicine."