A Day of Learning at the Wolastegewiyik Healing Lodge

Posted On May 21, 2014

On May 9 I attended an interesting and educational workshop at the Healing Lodge at Tobique First Nation. Focussed on self- care, the workshop began with an opening prayer and then moved on to cover a range of topics and experiences.
 
Alison Sappier explained the uses and benefits of a number of herbal teas, and had brought samples for us all to try. “Herbal Tea” isn’t really made from tea, but consists of an herb or herb blend to make an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark extracted in hot water.
 

In drinking an herbal tea, we get all the plant’s benefits in an easily digestible form, and even more, you are hydrating your body, enjoying the aroma and don’t forget the social aspect, if sharing tea with friends.
 

After we’d all sampled a variety of herbal infusions, Alison and Paula then moved on to explain Auricular Acupuncture, which is acupuncture applied to the ears. Our ears contain energy points that correspond to all of the organs and systems of our bodies… by stimulating specific points in the ear with acupuncture needles our whole system is affected.
 

Auricular Acupuncture can be used to boost your immune system and to stimulate your own body to heal itself. It helps to stabilize you physically and emotionally, and will help to relieve aches and pains and to reduce cravings such as for tobacco or alcohol.
 

We had the opportunity to receive an auricular acupuncture treatment right then. As we sat quietly, Alison and Paula went around the room and gently inserted four acupuncture needles into both ears of each of us.
 

The sterile needles are just barely inserted into the energy points, so you really don’t feel them. The lights were then dimmed, and we relaxed for the next half hour. The experience was both very peaceful and energizing. Auricular Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, so as you continue the treatments the benefits grow exponentially with each session.
 

Our bodies want to be healthy, and acupuncture helps us with our internal journey of recovery.
 

You may inquire about these treatments for yourself or to learn more by contacting the Negotkuk Wellness Center at Tobique First Nation.
 

Doreen Sappier and Kathy Orser both gave presentations on ways to reduce personal stress and to honour our own needs. In order to function in a healthy and positive manner, we need to take care of ourselves… something that many women neglect to do in the hectic rush of daily living!
 

The final portion was just sheer fun… we learned how to make our very own Spirit Dolls in a workshop presented by Norma Saulis.
 

Spirit Dolls are like the reverse and total opposite of a Voo Doo doll. Whereas a Voo Doo doll is generally created to cast a curse on someone, you make a personal Spirit Doll to attract what you want into your life, whether it is more love, abundance, creativity…. It’s totally up to you!
 

They can be as simple or elaborate as you want. We used polyester fill to make a head, then more fill for the body which is wrapped like a cocoon or papoose and decorated with ribbons, sequins, lace, fring….whatever you find that you love!
 

The exterior is just the part you see, though….the real secret to Spirit Dolls is what you place inside to be the heart of the doll. Just like with us humans, it’s what’s inside that counts!
 

We all wrote out our dreams and desires on slips of paper to secrete inside our dolls, along with a sprig of sage and a special stone.
 

I placed a small piece of beautiful polished carnelian inside my doll. Carnelian helps one to realize and actualize all your talents, which struck me as the perfect stone for the occasion.
 

It was a lovely workshop that was enjoyed by all who attended. There was good company and conversation, and we all left with our own personal hand-made Spirit Dolls to help us in our journey through life!