At one time, aroma therapy and massage therapy were looked on as a luxury. Today that is changing as the healing benefits of these services are being acknowledged. Kalena Salon in Toronto is an organic salon that heals as it relaxes their clients.
Kalena was founded a little over a year ago by owner Elena Kalyuzhnaya along the Toronto Harbourfront.
Elena was gracious enough to discuss the benefits of aroma therapy.
She said in an interview: "Women find time for everyone other than themselves until a serious sickness attacks their body. Women have to learn to love themselves and their bodies. No one else can give that type of love to you. This is not selfishness. We have to stop feeling guilty for loving ourselves enough to heal ourselves."
When you first walk into KALENA Aroma Boutique and Spra you notice the freshness. The air is light and soothing, the sounds are relaxing. What you may not know is that what you are experiencing is a true organic environment. All of the scents come for pure essential oils. There are no chemicals on site to assault your body.
Kalena Spa is the result of owner Elena Kalywzhnaya's journey to personal wellness. When she arrived in Canada from Russia her skin took a beating. After trying different products she discovered aroma therapy and essential oils solved her flushing skin problems.
"I was given a blend of Rose and Chamomile essential oils. The difference was immediate. My husband even noticed that I looked younger."
Wanting to know more about the process Elena went to Aesthetician School and then begin to work for
Elmwood Spa, one of Canada's top five spas, as a Certified Aesthetician. She also continued her education in aroma therapy becoming a certified aroma therapist. That certification means Elena understands the role of each oil and the chemical reactions that they produce for the human body.
Last June a spot opened at 458 Queens Quay West that was perfect for Elena's next step. Kalena's was born and opened on July 7, 2008. In their first year the spa has been well received. Among their clients are dancers from the nearby National Ballet of Canada .
KJ Mullins
Elena Kalywzhnaya , owner of Kalena Spa in her signature lavender.
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What sets Elena apart from the many spas in Toronto is an absolute commitment for using only organic
products and the best essential oils on the market. From these vintage oils Elena has formulated her own product line that soothes the spirit and the mind.
Each client that walks through her door is treated to a formula of aroma therapy that has been blended for their personal use.
"We are able to help our clients heal. The skin is responsive to the blends we formulate just for the individual. It's a mind-body connection."
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One product line that is used that Elena does not formula herself comes from British Columbia.
Sea Flora is hand-harvested sea weed from the Pacific Ocean. All of the products contain vitamins, mineral and trace elements that promote healthy skin. Elena swears by this product, using it daily in her personal skin care.
"I really believe in this product. It's organic and pure. There are no additives or preservatives and is safe for almost everyone."
As Elena and I settled into a long conversation about the benefits of aroma therapy she stressed the importance of using pure essential oils instead of cheaper versions.
"The oils I get from my distributors are not cheap. The results though are amazing. They are organic and pure."
Kalena Spa offers facials, massage and other body treatments. I have had a Thai massage from one of her massage therapists and can attest to high level of skill.
Their facials are very detailed with steaming, removal of blackheads, the source of oils that are antiseptic and cleanse and finally a facial massage. Their process allows for the skin to breathe properly and blood to circulate in a more effective way.
Elena took time to warn me about using candles as a means of aroma therapy at home. The scent is often synthetic. This can cause artificial molecules to go into the body and cause a toxic reaction.
As for essential oils, Elena educated me on the different healing aspects of several options.
The Chamomile from Morocco and Lavender from France that Kalena uses are for relaxation. Citrus oils are also very relaxing. Orange blossom is used to treat depression. It is strong and has to be very diluted. Rose and Neroli are excellent for facial cleaning and relaxing. These two oils are used in Kalena facial treatments as they are also anti-aging.
The role of essential oils is to promote a peaceful circle of health.
At times a person can experience a breakout after their initial treatments. This happens as the body detoxifies.
"We put chemicals into our blood stream all the time. Our skin and liver gets overloaded from these toxins."
As I took the time to experience the different aromas of the oils I was surprised how peaceful I felt. That is one side effect of oils. Another is the healing effects that they have on the skin. Before modern medicine, essential oils were used for many ailments and skin conditions. Many of the oils are a natural antiseptic. One called Everlasting, for instance, can work to heal scars and burns. Chamomile is known for its antihistamine quality. Juniper berry is an oil that helps with muscle pain that blended with citrus oils provide a detoxifying massage. of Myrrh is another oil that has healing qualities. It was used for years by soldiers injured for its benefits to wounds and strains.
One thing to remember when using these oils is that quality not quantity matters. One to two drops are all that is needed, and those drops should be diluted in another oil, such as olive oil. If you overdo the dose you can develop a sensitivity to an oil.
In October Elena will be attending a conference in Seattle on aroma therapy to further her education. She believes that continuing education is vital in her field.
We also discussed the medical aspects of aroma therapy. It's important to visit your doctor for medical care, she noted. Aroma therapy and massage therapies are a complement to your primary medical care.
Elena told me that during the cold and flu season eucalyptus can help your immune system. Using a drop of oil on a clay charm around the neck can be a way to boost your and your child's immune system.
"Relaxing is needed for our bodies. Our body is like a computer. One little thing goes wrong and everything goes wrong."
As a side note, the name Kalena means red berry in Russian. The berries are grown on the Toronto Islands. Elena picked the name as a combination of her first and last name when she opened the salon.
One last word about Kalena Spa. As I interviewed Elena this morning a potential client came in. The woman had a skin condition that could not be treated and cured by a facial. Elena patiently spoke to the woman, telling her the truth and advising her on a course of action. That woman will be back for a facial but with the understanding that her problem will not be solved. Elena's truth spoke volumes about her business ethic. She believes that being honest with her clients is the only approach. It was refreshing to witness that ethic in practice.
KJ Mullins
treatment room at Kalena spa
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