Testimonials

Removing a Roadblock to Authentic Life

I aspire to live an authentic life. Lately, I’ve felt stuck and know that I have some healing to do. My intuitive wisdom recently guided me to a local healing centre in Nanaimo. It had been percolating in my awareness for about a year. I didn’t know why exactly. I just knew that it was time for me to go.

Once inside, I immediately felt at ease but my tendency to be skeptical remained. ‘Alternative’ methods of healing have not been part of my life experience. But after asking some questions and taking time to reflect, I decided to try Reiki.

On the morning of my appointment, I felt nauseous. I was afraid that, if it actually worked, wounds would open that I wasn’t ready to deal with and couldn’t handle. I went anyways.

Asha, the dog, kindly greeted me. She gave me a sniff as if to assess just how messed up I really was. I’m not a dog person, but my sense is that she belongs in a healing environment.

Then came Julie, the woman who was embracing the opportunity to join my wellness team. I knew I was in good hands. I can’t say that the experience has eliminated my scepticism, but something powerful happened during that first Reiki session.

My eyes closed, body relaxed and feeling the heat from Julie’s hands, I saw colours. Green. Purple. Magenta. I felt tightness in my chest and throat. Then, tears started to stream down my face.

Later, I heard words. Not a voice, just words: “You are worthy of love. You are worthy.”

This brought on more tears. Because for all the abundance I have in my life, I don’t always feel that I deserve it, let alone more. I have years of negative self-talk and many examples to prove it. Could this be why I feel stuck??

It’s not the first time that self-worth has come up for me. It also happened last year when I was embarking on my sail training adventure. Still, it both surprised and moved me.

After the session, I felt exhausted. Then I felt an urge to write. So I did, right there in the office. Asha gave me another sniff and then joined me on the couch by the window. And there it was; the next chapter of my healing journey with my new partners, Asha and Julie.

As a person who feels uncomfortable in the emotional and spiritual realms, I believe that I am embarking on a life-altering change. And I feel much gratitude for a stranger who shares her life energy to enhance another person’s well-being. Thank you, Julie!

I am very fortunate to have made “soul” connections with wonderful, powerful and wise women over the years. When I’m prepared to fully let them in, I know that they will be there to support me in my process of opening fully to my beautiful and worthy self.

I feel quite vulnerable sharing this – yet in a powerful way. I have to wonder, how many other women question their worth and are not living their potential as a result?

We need to stop doubting. It’s time to say “yes” to our authentic selves.

In 2009, I am committing to my healing journey, wherever it takes me. I believe that this will be the foundation upon which all else falls into place. It’s time to remove the roadblock - and that roadblock is none other than me.

I invite you to do the same…you’re worth it.

Marla Hunter-Bellavia is a writer and owner of Ocean Spirit Communications. - Marla Hunter-Bellavia

published in Synergy Magazine, Jan 2009

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I wanted to thank Julie for some recent massage work she did for me. As a result I won a little tennis tournament this past weekend thanks to her! - G. Grise

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...I am writing a short note to give you some feedback on my experience of a Swedish Massage session with you.

As you know, I have been studying and experiencing a variety of alternative healing modalities for the past twenty years and as a result have a strong frame of reference for comparison of various practitioners, their individual skills, expertise and client benefits.

Even before our session commenced, I felt a sincere warmth and caring from you for my well-being. The nurturing and safe environment that you created for the session further supported this. As a result, I felt myself relax more deeply into receiving the full benefit of the massage. Julie coupled with your skills and expertise, I would highly recommend you to anyone interested in experiencing a Swedish Massage.

When I am traveling through Nanaimo, I look forward to having another session with you. - M. Cliffe

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Thank you Julie for a massage beyond what I had in mind.

...I have a mild scoliose that also twists and usually my left side dominates. Pulling and pain are constant, I feel like a left side, right side guy.

After your massage... I realized I felt both sides of my back were whole. As one!

Thank you Julie! - Cam

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...And I'm so proud of you and your accomplishments. From my personal experience with you your service is excellent and you make a person feel very welcome and comfortable. You are very confident in your services and very pleasing to be with. Time goes by too fast in your presence. Once again Chiquita, thank you for everything. - Nina

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We received advice that indicated our little dog, Annie, required massage sessions. After much searching we found Chiquita. She was very willing to take Annie as a client as this is of great interest to her. Chiquita researched the subject extensively and researched Cushing's disease specifically. She worked on Annie and gained her confidence and was very compassionate and patient with her. Annie now loves her visits. The results have been very positive and have even surprised the vet! We would highly recommend Chiquita to anyone seeking massage, human or canine. - Sincerely Lorne & Cathie

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Since starting reflexology treatments with Chiquita Hessels, my sleep has improved and my symptoms of hormonal imbalance have lessened. If I am quiet during a session with Chiquita, I can actually hear my body say :Thank You" - Carol

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For the last three years I have been in pain some days good, most of them bad and that have interfered with things that I have wanted to do in my life. During all this I have gone through many doctor appointments and tests to try to find out what I have wrong with me and to stop the pain. We have tried Chiropractor, Advil, Tylenol and medication (for a bit because it made me feel sick, we stopped). But it has not really stopped it but even though I have osteoarthritis at 15 I have found a very good thing that relieves me without drugs wrecking the stomach lining which is Reflexology. I don't know really how she does it by just massaging my feet but it really works! - Richard

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When I first visited Chiquita more than a year ago, I was more than a little skeptical about whether a Reflexologist could offer any relief from some uncomfortable symptoms I was having. After all, conventional medical doctors were unable to offer relief - what possible good could come of a mere "foot massage"? A year later I am continuing to see Chiquita on a weekly basis for the sole reason that her treatments have steadily improved my condition and provided great relief for my pain and discomfort. I have no explanation for how Chiquita's treatments work. All I know is that they are effective. I heartily recommend her services for symptomatic relief of conditions of all sorts in conjunction with regular medical care. - James

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Platinum Energy Foot Spa:

Within hours of my first foot bath treatment, I noticed that 80% to 90% of the pain in my joints-elbows-wrist, knees and ankles had disappeared. My right arm no longer ached and I could easily lift heavy objects without any discomfort. Serious leg pains had also vanished and it had been years since walking was that easy. After the second and third treatments, more positive changes occurred: clearer vision, better sleep patterns and a definite calmness. I would highly recommend this system to anyone looking to improve their health while, at the same time, pampering themselves with such a simple and serene treatment. Never has feeling better been so easy. - Christina

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Big D Emu Oil:

My husband and I recently took a trip to Nanaimo where we purchased a 75ml. jar of your Lavender scented Emu Oil Moisturizing Cream. We have found this to be an exceptionally wonderful product and are very sorry we did not purchase more when we had the opportunity. We would dearly love to purchase more. - Lis

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Big D Emu Oil:

My cat's recent surgery stitches were not healing well. She ripped one of the stitches out, sending her back to the vet with a large opening on her side Thankfully I mentioned my kitty's dilemma to Chiquita who offered Emu Oil as a solution. What a difference! Less than 48 hours after first applying a few drops on the newly sutured area, the redness had almost disappeared and kitty's skin irritation had stopped. She even liked licking the oil and began grooming more and more. Within four days, the cut had completely healed and when the sutures were removed, the scar was barely visible. Even the vet was amazed. Can't recommend this product highly enough. What a difference! - Christina

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Big D Emu Oil:

I am 72 years old at the moment. I couldn't walk anymore, was ready for a walker or a wheelchair. My Chiropractor gave me Emu Oil, I put it on my hips, knees, legs and feet, it didn't take long 3-4 days and I was walking again. With the pain going away, I don't need a knee/hip-operation anymore. Thanks Chiquita. - Liane

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The treatments that I've received from you have left me feeling energized, balanced (emotional and physical), and very, very loved. You are respectful, caring and listen attentively with your heart...I don't feel judged by you and trust you totally. It's easy to open up and surrender to what ever takes place in your healing room. I'm convinced that you are a gifted healer - CP

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I felt full of love and certainly relaxed. I don't know what you did but I believe you are gifted and I'll be back for more. - Kimberly

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I would really like to thank you for helping me have such a good time at prom, without you I think it wouldn't have been so much fun. This is because if I was in pain I probably wouldn't have done as much dancing with Joyce (my girlfriend) and I was able to dance all night long without pain. I attached some pictures of me in my tux and my date Joyce, one of which is even us dancing.

So thanks for helping to make my prom memorable. - Richard

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Thanks Julie,

..for an incredible massage session. I had not felt so relaxed in years. Since the session I have noticed a significant difference when weight training. I can train with heavier weights and greater intensity without feeling on the verge of injuring myself. I would recommend your services to anyone! - Richmond Lauman

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Julie truly loves what she does and her passion to make people feel better is evident in her work and the way you feel both physically and mentally after a massage.
J. Russell
Assistant Manager
Coastal Community Credit Union

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Within minutes, she (Julie) removed muscle tension and knots from my back, neck and shoulders. I found Julie's approach to be professional, sincere and genuine.
Ron Lazlock
Owner
Purified Water Store

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After suffering with extreme neck pain, Julie massaged my neck and upper back for about 20 minutes. I was almost completely pain free after that. Her massages feel great.
Barb Porter
Island Industrial and Mill Supply Ltd.