Eastern philosophy invades Verdun

Ten years later, the owner and manager of Ikra Optimal Health Centre, in Verdun, practices fervently what he preaches. Anthony is a licensed massage therapist, practicing both Chinese and Swedish techniques, a licensed hypnotherapist and a teacher of Alchemy. He also teaches Chi Kung (which consists of meditation, gentle breathing and stretching that has been proven very effective against stress and migraines and is ideally suited for people with limited mobility), Tai Chi, meditation, as well as gives workshops in massage, Reiki and hypnosis.

"I'm not saying that Western medicine doesn't have something to offer, but after having had first-hand experience of living with debilitating pain, I now know that a holistic approach, which encompasses body, mind, emotions and soul, is what I believe in," he reveals. "I want to offer the kind of courses at my centre that can help people become independent in their search for balance in their lives."

Courses are offered in Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Medical Chi Kung, Pilates, Dance (the greatest expression of joy, according to Anthony), Meditation, Reiki workshops, visualization, and many more.

The Ikra Optimal Health Centre has been in operation for the past three years, but Anthony has only recently taken over as owner. He has been residing right above the centre for the past three years and has seen, first hand, the incredible changes that Verdun has been experiencing

"I see huge changes in Verdun – a much hipper, younger crowd has moved in and I feel confident that they can understand what I have to offer them and the philosophy behind the centre. We're the only ones offering mind-body courses in a non-gym setting."

Starting September 3, a new eight-week session begins. For more information and a complete list and schedule of courses available, simply drop by the centre and see for yourself or log on to their website: www.ikra.ca. The centre is located at 5101 Wellington, at the corner of 6th Avenue, near the Verdun and De L'Église metro stations. Their phone number is: 514-227-4374.

changed his life.