A fine balance
Waterdown wellness centre a feel-good experience
Catherine O'Hara
Published on
Mar 07, 2008
Waterdown is home to a new wellness centre, which provides clients with a relaxing, soothing environment that promotes healing - the holistic way. Circle of Light Wellness Centre, owned and operated by Kerri Fargo, offers Reiki, yoga, reflexology, massage and other feel-good treatments.
Aiming to help individuals bring balance to their busy lifestyles, Circle of Light focuses on wellness to provide its clients with an alternative option to medicine.
"I believe that to stay healthy you have to be balanced, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well," said Fargo.
Referring to the body as a battery, Fargo explained that people need to take the time to "recharge." Her goal is to help individuals heal themselves and maintain their own energy to stay balanced, healthy and joyful. The treatments offered at Circle of Light, explained Fargo, do not interfere with traditional medicine.
Fargo has always had a keen interest in holistic treatments. While in university, she enjoyed taking part in yoga and meditation classes. It wasn't until Fargo won the battle against an aggressive illness that she decided to learn more about Reiki, one of the main treatments offered at Circle of Light.
She describes Reiki as a hands-on healing modality, which involves touching one's body lightly.
"It's about frequency," said Fargo noting that every body vibrates at its own unique frequency. The Reiki, practitioner raises his or her vibration frequency during a session, which in turns raises the vibration frequency of the client.
Reiki has been applied to relieve headaches and stress, and even to release phobias and fears. Fargo explained that Reiki also has healing qualities and has been used to relieve pain and symptoms of illness. The treatment also helps boost and strengthen the immune system.
"Because it's so gentle, it's good for people who can't have that kind of deep therapeutic treatment because their bones are brittle or they have pain," said Fargo.
For the last six years, the Carlisle resident has been actively involved in learning about Reiki techniques and Tibetan yoga. A busy mom of three, Fargo finds the time to keep herself balanced, and hopes she can help her clients achieve the same.
Fargo, who is registered with the Canadian Reiki Association, noted that the discipline is a highly unregulated field, unlike reflexology. She suggested that anyone looking for a Reiki teacher or practitioner should visit the Association's website (www.reiki.ca) to ensure that an individual in registered.
"That doesn't mean that there aren't great teachers and practitioners who aren't registered, there are, but this is safer," she explained.
Other treatments available at Circle of Light include reflexology by certified reflexologist, Lindsay Medeiros. A Hamilton-area paramedic, Medeiros studied at the Ontario College of Reflexology and has been certified since 2005.
The wellness centre also features services by registered massage therapist, Kim Keresturi, who has been registered in the field since 1990 and has taken many courses in massage and bodywork. She offers therapeutic and relaxation massages, direct facial technique, connective tissue massage, reflexology, Reiki and Esalen deep tissue massage.
According to Fargo, Katie Noall will be practicing homeopathy out of the Mill Street business. Fargo said Noall's practice is a good fit, as it strives to help clients heal their body, mind and soul the homeopathic way.
Fargo explained that her clients come from very different walks of life. Ranging from individuals in perfect health to terminally ill, palliative patients, Fargo provides a calming and cozy establishment for her clients.
Located in a heritage house right next to the Old Jam Factory, Fargo has been hard at work since purchasing the establishment in August. Although the business hasn't officially celebrated its grand opening yet, Circle of Light has been servicing members of the community on an appointment-only basis.
Fargo continues to apply the finishing touches to the building, while taking appointments and spending time with her family. And when one thinks that this vivacious woman couldn't possibly have any spare time on her hands, Fargo admitted that she runs a homemade soap business from her home.
Soap Planet by Fargo was born when Fargo discovered her oldest child suffered from eczema.
"I wanted oatmeal goat milk soap, but I wanted it with vegetable oil," she explained, adding that she had trouble finding exactly what she wanted in local stores.
Some of her body care products are on display and available for purchase at Circle of Life Wellness Centre or online at soapplanet.com.
"I just love learning new things, that's just my personality," she said. Hoping to have the wellness centre officially up and running by the spring, she encourages local residents to visit her website to learn about the various services offered at Circle of Light or to book an appointment.
The online booking service "is something new," she explained. "They (clients) can check our schedules and book (an appointment) from the comfort of their home; they don't have to pre-pay."
Fargo also uses the space in her new digs in Waterdown to host events, such as monthly movie nights.
On March 9 at 7 p.m. Keresturi will be hold a raw food presentation and movie night. Guests can call the wellness centre to register. The evening will feature raw food treats for guests to sample. The cost is $8 per person.
For more information on Circle of Light Wellness Centre, to book an appointment or to find out about movie nights and other events, please call (905) 689-8100.Circle of Light is located at 50 Mill St. N. in Waterdown.