The influence of my weird & wonderful city – Nelson, British Columbia

I come to you from Nelson in the heart of the east Kootenays and on the traditional territory of the Ktuanxa, the Syilx, and the Sinixt peoples. 

When Tourism BC created the tagline “Super, natural British Columbia,” they sure caught the vibe for this amazing place. Nelson is situated in a region of British Columbia that is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient forests. 

Founded in the late 1800s, Nelson has a population of just more than 10,000 which now make up a very distinct community which reflects the historic influences of silver miners, American draft dodgers, hippies, artists, and those seeking to commune with nature. 

If you know Nelson, you know what I’m talking about.

To start, Nelson is known for its outstanding natural beauty, its outdoor opportunities, and its alternative, holistic lifestyle. 

It’s home to an inordinate number of natural health practitioners. We educate each other and continue to advance our collective understanding of the interconnectedness and the integration of the modalities of health: nutritional, herbal, acupuncture, massage and healing touch, naturopathic, chiropractic, naturopathy, and reiki and other forms of energetic healing. The Kootenay region is also known for its long history of spiritual practices, including shamanism and meditation.

It is a place of energetic healing is a form of therapy that involves working with the body’s energy systems to promote healing and well-being. The human body is made up of different energy fields, including the physical body, emotional body, mental body, and spiritual body. Energetic healing works by identifying and releasing blockages or imbalances within these fields, which can be caused by physical, emotional, or spiritual stressors.

While I am studied in the science of food and its effects on the body, I am strongly connected to the other forms of holistic therapy and provide a comprehensive approach to healing and well-being. It’s in the water!

The original meaning of the word “weird”

Ok, you’re probably picking up on it … this city can be a little weird. What do I mean by that? While, over time, the meaning of the word “weird” has shifted to refer to anything that is strange, eerie or uncanny, the word “weird” originally comes from the Old English word “wyrd”. Wyrd meant supernatural and often personified as a woman… a witch or medicine woman. 

There are many people who believe that Nelson is located on a vortex, or a site with a strong concentration of energy that can affect physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of vortexes, many people report feeling a sense of calm, tranquility, clarity, and heightened awareness when they visit Nelson. Whether or not you believe in the idea of a vortex, there is no doubt that Nelson’s natural beauty and spiritual history make it a special place that can inspire and uplift visitors.

Experience it for yourself!

Come and visit! Nelson is a great destination for those seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness. With its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and alternative lifestyle, Nelson is a unique and welcoming community for those interested in natural healing practices. 

It’s known for its healthy food options. There are some wonderful food producers in the area, who follow traditional practices to create healthful products. Like the good people at Counter Cultured handcrafted fermented foods who turn out some of the best sauerkraut outside of Ukraine. The people at Wild Kootenay Honey, who bring us high quality, raw mountain honeys. And the Kootenay Meadows farm that turns out delicious organic, grass-fed milk and other dairy products. 

While these suppliers are local to Nelson, it’s worth learning about the producers near you and sourcing the ones that best support your health journey. 

In the meantime, come and enjoy all that is offered by this unique and welcoming community. It’s a great destination for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway.