My Self Care Practice
As I've gotten older and come into a bit more disposable income, one of my favourite things to spend on is wellness treatments. Truthfully, even when I just moved to the city and was just scraping by with my monthly salary, I tried to prioritize wellness treatments as often as I could (luckily, benefits were a huge help). I find it's a good way to enjoy some alone time, but I also see it as an investment in a better, happier, healthier self.
I've tried many spas, therapies and treatments, and have found a few favourites spots and practitioners in the city that I'd recommend to anyone... partially for their effectiveness but especially for how good each of them make you feel while you are there.
Massages
There’s no place like Atinama. My favourite therapist is Corrin, particularly because she offers Thai Massage which is a full body experience. Another favourite is Aman Spa. It’s expensive but I am jello every time I walk out. Alexandra Fernandez-Eden is a magic-worker.
Spa Day
This one is for the girls - Body Blitz is a women-only facility in both downtown and the East End. My go-to is to book an RMT massage, which also gets you 90 minute access to the water circuit. I like to book the East End location on Sunday mornings in the winter, by myself, for some quiet time.
Chiropractor
Elizabeth at The Clinic on Ossington is the best chiropractor I’ve ever been to. She practices multi-modality (including acupuncture) and won’t do adjustments if you’d prefer not to get cracked. She always takes the time to sit and listen to what is happening in my life, taking a holistic view on my health (I’ve never had a chiro care about my stress levels or what I’m eating). Afterwards, she explains what’s going on in my body in clear, understandable terms.
Eyebrows
Roshni at Sekai on Queen is my eyebrow queen. She is so lovely and so gentle. They do both waxing and threading so pick your poison!
Hair
Nick at Fifteen Twelve Salon has been my go-to for the past 3 years and my hair has never been through so many successful transformations - blonde, red, bob. No matter what, Nick makes me feel like myself. Devastatingly, he’s moved back to Melbourne but I will continue to stay loyal to this salon.
Yoga + Pilates
I have followed Scotty around to at least 4 different studios in the city since I moved to Toronto. This past year, him and his partner Erik (also an incredible teacher) have bought out what used to be Union, now Reunion. What I love about them both is their incredible knowledge of physiology and anatomy, and how they apply that knowledge to their cues. Mat pilates classes are always hard, always rewarding and recently, reformer classes have started kicking my butt.
Facial
Since I lived in Oakville, Pure and Simple has been my go-to. Like a massage for your face, there is a high chance you might fall asleep mid-facial. Their all-natural products have been a staple in my skin routine since I was a teenager and have not failed me yet.
Sauna
Sauna companies have a tendency to verge on the cult-like. But Alter feels approachable, more like a local neighbourhood hangout, than a commodified cult of “community.” I love that it was started by 4 friends, who continue to man the front-desk and pop in for their own sauna, cold-plunge circuits.
Osteopathy
A recent favourite is the China-town hotspot, Osteo Tuina. I’d never tried Osteopathy before but after months of shoulder pain, one session was all it took to find some relief. I often go to House of Gourmet beforehand for a Cantonese lunch special before popping over for my appointment - it’s own kind of therapy.
