What Is Holistic Wellness? A Beginner’s Guide for Edmonton Residents
Start Here: What If There’s a Better Way to Feel Better?
You wake up tired even after a full night of sleep. Your shoulders are tight, your head feels foggy, and you’re not sick—but you don’t feel well either. Maybe you’ve been trying to power through. Maybe you’ve even been to a doctor, only to be told everything “looks normal.”
That’s where holistic wellness comes in.
Unlike conventional care that often focuses on one symptom or body part at a time, holistic wellness looks at the full picture—your body, mind, and environment as one interconnected system. When one part is out of sync, the whole system can suffer. But the reverse is also true. When one part starts to heal, everything can improve.
And here in Edmonton, more people are exploring natural wellness options that go beyond short-term fixes. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, nearly 70 percent of Canadians now use at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine to manage stress, improve health, or recover from injury
That number is growing. And it’s not because these therapies are trendy. It’s because they work—especially when used consistently, with the right support.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What holistic wellness really means (and what it doesn’t)
- Why more people in Edmonton are choosing this approach
- The top therapies that support physical and emotional health naturally
- How to get started, even if you’re new to all of this
If you’re looking for ways to feel more rested, less stressed, and more connected to your body, this post is for you.
What Is Holistic Wellness?
Holistic wellness is the practice of caring for your entire self—body, mind, emotions, and even your environment. It is not about ignoring modern medicine. It is about looking at the whole picture, not just isolated symptoms.
You might come in with neck pain. But a holistic practitioner will also ask about your stress levels, your sleep quality, and how you’re feeling emotionally. Because everything is connected. And when one part is struggling, others follow.
At its core, holistic care is about this one idea:
“The body has an amazing ability to heal itself when we remove what harms it and give it what it needs to thrive.”
— Dr. Mark Hyman, Functional Medicine Expert and Author
That means nourishing food, regular movement, emotional support, good sleep, and therapies that restore balance—not just treat symptoms.
It’s Not Just Spa Treatments and Scented Oils
A lot of people hear the word “holistic” and think of crystals, incense, or vague wellness trends. But holistic wellness isn’t woo-woo. It is grounded in the idea of whole-person care—an approach used by everyone from naturopathic doctors to physiotherapists to mental health professionals.
According to the World Health Organization, health is not simply the absence of disease. It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Holistic wellness follows this same model. It’s not about masking pain. It’s about helping you feel stronger, more grounded, and more resilient in everyday life.
Why People in Edmonton Are Choosing Holistic Care
People are busy. Schedules are packed, stress is high, and most of us are just trying to get through the week without running on empty. That’s why more Edmontonians are turning to holistic wellness—not as a luxury, but as a way to feel better and stay well in a demanding world.
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from holistic care. Many clients start because they’re tired of putting out fires. They want to feel more present, more energized, and more in control of their health. Holistic therapies offer a proactive, sustainable way to do that.
And the trend isn’t just local.
A national survey of Canadian adults found that in 2016, 79 percent had used at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine, up from 73 percent in 1997. Nearly half of respondents (44 percent) reported using massage therapy in 2016
What’s driving the shift?
1. People want fewer side effects
Many holistic therapies, like craniosacral therapy or reflexology, are non-invasive and gentle. They don’t rely on medication or forceful intervention, which makes them ideal for people looking for natural support.
2. They’re frustrated with band-aid solutions
It’s common to hear clients say things like, “I’ve tried everything else.” Holistic wellness offers an alternative path that focuses on root causes, not just temporary relief.
3. It treats the person, not just the pain
Clients appreciate feeling seen. Whether you’re dealing with stress, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, or physical pain, a holistic approach recognizes that your symptoms are connected.
4. It complements other forms of care
Holistic therapies can work alongside conventional medicine, counselling, or physiotherapy. Many doctors and mental health professionals now recommend body-based treatments to support recovery and resilience.
Holistic wellness isn’t about doing one big thing. It’s about making small, meaningful choices that support how you feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Top Holistic Therapies to Try in Edmonton
There are many ways to support your health without medication or complex routines. Holistic therapies focus on helping your body do what it was designed to do—heal, regulate, and restore itself.
At The Self Centre, our most requested treatments all work with your body’s natural rhythms. They’re safe, non-invasive, and proven to reduce stress and support long-term well-being. Below, you’ll also find some simple at-home habits you can use between visits to extend the benefits.
Massage Therapy
Massage is more than just “me time.” Regular massage therapy helps reduce cortisol, boost circulation, and ease tight muscles that often build up from stress, poor posture, or injury. Whether you book a deep tissue massage or a more relaxing Swedish session, massage can help regulate your nervous system and restore a sense of calm.
Common benefits include:
- Tension relief in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Improved range of motion and joint mobility
- Better sleep and reduced stress hormones
- Support for chronic pain, especially in active adults
The Cleveland Clinic states that massage therapy can reduce cortisol and boost serotonin and dopamine—key mood regulators linked to feelings of well‑being and motivation.
Try This at Home:
- Use a foam roller to gently release tension in your back and thighs
- Spend 2 minutes a day rolling your feet on a massage ball
- Do shoulder rolls and slow neck circles twice daily to release upper body strain
View massage therapy services in Edmonton
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) works by gently releasing restrictions in the tissues around your brain and spinal cord. It is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in a state of tension, anxiety, or mental exhaustion. CST helps reset the autonomic nervous system, which can calm the mind, reduce physical discomfort, and support emotional release.
Who benefits most:
- Clients with PTSD, burnout, or chronic fatigue
- People who experience recurring headaches, TMJ pain, or insomnia
- Anyone who feels overwhelmed by traditional therapies or overstimulated by touch
CST is a favourite among clients who want a subtle but deeply restorative approach.
Try This at Home:
- Lay on your back with your hands resting gently on your forehead and abdomen. Breathe slowly for 5 minutes. This simple “still point hold” can mimic the calming effects of CST.
- Avoid screens or bright lights right after your session to help your nervous system stay regulated.
- Use a weighted eye pillow during rest to cue relaxation.
Book craniosacral therapy in Edmonton
Reflexology
Reflexology works by stimulating pressure points on the feet that correspond to different parts of the body. It’s based on the idea that everything is connected—and that your feet are like a mirror for your internal systems.
This therapy is often used to support:
- Hormonal balance and menstrual health
- Digestion, bloating, and fluid retention
- Stress-related fatigue and sleep issues
- Circulatory and lymphatic support
Studies have shown reflexology can decrease pain and improve physical function in people with chronic conditions
Try This at Home:
- Roll a tennis ball under your feet while seated to stimulate reflex points
- Try a warm foot soak with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil before bed
- Apply gentle pressure to the centre of your heel while taking deep breaths to calm the nervous system
Learn more about reflexology in Edmonton
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to support the nervous system, enhance mood, and boost physical health. When used during a massage or reflexology session, these oils are absorbed through the skin and inhaled through the breath, creating a multi-sensory experience that promotes healing.
Common blends include:
- Lavender for sleep and anxiety
- Peppermint for tension and headaches
- Eucalyptus for sinus support and respiratory relief
- Sweet orange or bergamot for mood regulation
Essential oils are most effective when combined with touch and intentional breathing.
Try This at Home:
- Diffuse lavender or frankincense in the evening to wind down
- Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a warm compress and place it at the base of your neck for headache relief
- Carry a roll-on blend in your bag for on-the-go emotional support
Ask about aromatherapy add-ons when booking
How to Know if Holistic Wellness Is Right for You
You don’t have to wait for burnout to start healing.
One of the biggest myths about wellness is that it’s only for people who are already doing great—or that it’s a last resort when nothing else works. But holistic care is for real people, living real lives, who are just trying to feel better in their bodies and minds.
Wondering if it’s a good fit for you? Start by asking a few simple questions:
- Are you feeling more tired than usual, even after a full night’s sleep?
- Do you notice tension in your body that won’t go away—tight shoulders, jaw clenching, frequent headaches?
- Have you tried medications or traditional treatments but still feel “off”?
- Do you want a more natural, side-effect-free way to manage pain, stress, or anxiety?
- Are you interested in proactive care, not just putting out fires?
If you answered yes to even one of these, it might be time to explore holistic wellness. It’s not about overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. It’s about adding the kind of care that fits into your life—and actually helps you live it better.
“We spend so much time treating symptoms, we often forget to support the person. Holistic care brings the focus back to what really matters.”
— Dr. James Gordon, Founder of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
Whether you’re looking for pain relief, emotional reset, or just a way to slow down and breathe deeper, the right therapy can make all the difference.
Find your first therapy session
Getting Started with Holistic Wellness in Edmonton
You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin.
Holistic wellness is personal. What works for someone else might not be what your body needs—and that’s okay. The key is to start where you are, with one small, intentional step.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with a simple question:
What would make you feel a little better this week?
Maybe it’s sleeping through the night. Maybe it’s less tension in your neck. Maybe it’s just an hour of peace and quiet where no one needs you. Holistic care is designed to support that—not with gimmicks or fads, but with proven, body-based therapies that actually help.
You can start by:
- Booking a massage to relieve physical and emotional tension
- Trying reflexology if you want a lighter, full-body reset through the feet
- Exploring craniosacral therapy for deeper nervous system support
- Asking about aromatherapy add-ons to elevate your next session
If you’re in Edmonton, there’s no shortage of options—and the best part is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A good wellness practitioner will help you choose the right path based on your needs, not just a treatment list.
Ready to Take the First Step?
We’d love to support you. Whether you’re new to holistic care or just looking for the right place to start again, our team at The Self Centre is here to walk with you.
Book your first session today
