Yellowknife (July 28/06) - There's someone new in town and he's brought with him a wealth of holistic healing knowledge.

Karim Sovani, a certified acupuncturist, hypnotherapist, and kinesiologist, works for D'Orient Spa in the Monkey Tree Plaza.

Karim Sovani is a new employee of D'Orient Spa. Acupuncture is one of Sovani's many talents, which he performs on spa receptionist Chantelle But. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

Using both Eastern and Western techniques, Sovani said he can help Yellowknifers deal with a variety of problems like addictions, chronic pain, and stress relief.

Sovani said he is in the North for a little stress relief of his own.

"I wanted to get away from everything, ground myself," he said.

Sovani said he's travelled around the world practising his craft. From East Africa to the Caribbean and Thailand, from spa consulting to working with elite athletes -- like track star Maurice Green -- Sovani has done it all.

But despite this, Sovani said he's hoping to learn even more here in Yellowknife, all the while sharing his knowledge and experience.

Sovani's services include cranio-sacral massage - gentle form of massage that focuses on energy flow in the body - and neural muscular massage - Western deep tissue massage - to name only a few.

He can also perform electro-acupuncture.

His hypnotherapy training can help people lose weight, quit smoking or gain greater confidence in themselves.

Sovani said he consults with his clients before he begins to see what will work best for them, often mixing techniques he's learned, which he said is easy to do.

It's for that reason he calls his methods "eclectic."

Owner of D'Orient Spa Melody But said he is a great addition to her team because her business is focusing on health instead of just spa treatments.

"We're taking a more holistic approach," said But.

Sovani said he became interested in this type of work during his undergraduate studies in kinesiology at the University of Ottawa.

He said Yellowknifers face the same problems he's seen working around the world, even though he's only lived in town for a few weeks.

Some of these problems include lower back and upper shoulder pain, obesity, smoking and everyday stress.

Sovani said his job is to educate his clients about living healthier lives.

"I want to empower them to take care of their own health," he said.

One recommendation he said is essential is to take a deep breath and take a few moments to respond when things come up.

"You need to chill out, have fun with your life."