Wellness Centre a success

Luisa Cirimele, a registered massage therapist, has assembled a unique team of specialists and brought them together under one roof at her new downtown Orillia business, Awakenings Wellness Centre.

“We are a one-stop wellness centre where you can heal your mind, body and soul,” said Cirimele, whose new facility opened in March. “There are four professional wellness specialists here who provide a wide range of services to both men and women of all ages.”

Awakenings Wellness Centre services include massage therapy, stone treatments, access to a herbalist, Reiki, aromatherapy, the services of a complementary holistic health-care nurse, reflexology, nutritional teaching and medical aesthetics.

“We are the only facility of this kind in Orillia,” said Cirimele. “We’re not a spa. We’re a wellness centre that offers professional services in a professional environment.”

In fact, Luisa and her husband, Brian, have poured their heart and soul into renovating and refurbishing the new centre at 10 Andrew St.

“I don’t think there’s a single thing here that we haven’t renovated, redesigned or painted,” Cirimele said of the inviting, modern facility custom designed for its new purpose.

Awakenings is home to four specialists who offer their individual services while working together to ensure a person receives all of the treatments needed.

Cirimele, a two-time winner of The Orillia Packet & Times Best of Orillia award for top massage therapist, graduated with honours from Georgian College and is a certified La Stone therapist.

“I specialize in deep tissue massage, which is a more therapeutic approach,” says Cirimele, adding deep-tissue massage can help people suffering from a range of physical issues, ringing of the ears and migraines. “I love what I do because I can help people have a more comfortable, fulfilling life.”

Joining Cirimele is Debra Curti, a chartered herbalist and Reiki practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in her field.

“I have a passion to help those who wish to receive wellness and balance in their life,” said Curti, who is known as the backyard herbalist. “I want to help people learn about the unique plants that are below our feet – plants that nourish our bodies and help us achieve natural wellness and balance.”

For example, Curti likes to talk about the many merits of the dreaded dandelion. “A lot of grocery stores now sell dandelions because they have wonderful nutritive characteristics. They’re really good for you,” says Curti, who often organizes neighbourhood herb walks as part of her educational approach.

In addition, Curti offers classes on how essential oils help to bring balance and harmony and is a long-time practitioner of Reiki, an ancient holistic therapy.

The Awakenings team also includes Theresa Sullivan, a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience – many at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit.

“I provide complementary nursing services to aid in the well-being of the whole, by incorporating the west with the east philosophy,” said Sullivan. “What you can expect is a thorough assessment and evaluation of your individual needs utilizing western nursing practicum and eastern holistic nursing care.”

Sullivan offers aromatherapy, colour therapy, reflexology and light therapy.

“If you are suffering from physical pain, exhaustion, emotional upset or are experiencing physical signs and symptoms of stress or simply desire to prevent and manage your daily stressors, why not give yourself the opportunity to be on the forefront of an exciting journey to a new self,” she says.

The fourth member of the team is Natalie McLeod, a recent graduate in medical aesthetics, who provides basic aesthetic services in addition to more advanced therapies such as microdermabrasion, hair removal and much more.

“We have a state-of-the-art Mistral machine which uses light and thermal energy and is safer than laser treatment,” says McLeod, who notes she uses the device to help people suffering from acne and for those looking to rejuvenate their skin. “This is much healthier than going under the knife.”

A healthy – and natural – approach is the common thread that runs through Awakenings and its many services.

“I think what makes us unique is we take a natural approach,” says Cirimele. “There are so many chemicals out there; we don’t want to add to that. All of the products we use are chemical-free. That’s really important to all of us.”

Being downtown was also important to the quartet of specialists.

“We wanted to be downtown to be in the heart of things,” said Cirimele, who said the large municipal parking lot beside the facility was also a key. “Orillia needed a centre like this. We’re happy to be able to fill an important role in the community – to help people achieve wellness, naturally and affordably.”

For more information, you are welcome to drop into Awakenings at 10 Andrew St., just off Mississaga Street, a stone’s throw from the Orillia Public Library. To make an appointment for a tour or to book a service, call 705-259-7700.

Photo:
Luisa Cirimele, Natalie McLeod and Debra Curti, above, and Theresa Sullivan make up the unique multi-disciplinary team at the new Awakenings Wellness Centre at 10 Andrew St.