My Testimonial

 Name:  JS

I was a nervous wreck, jittery, anxious, nervous and over-stressed.  I had been through what was the worst year and a half of my life that left me an emotional, mental and physical mess.  My life came crashing down on me all at once and as I tried to stay above water I found myself dealing with severe anxiety disorder and depression for the first time in my life.  Although I somehow managed to pick up the pieces and move on one year later, I was left with what I thought was permanent damage to my nervous system.  I had stopped consuming caffeine, chocolate and any stimulants that would make my condition worse and reached a point where I needed to find some peace again.  I accidentally came across some information on chiropractic care and realized that it was exactly what I needed to get myself feeling normal again.  I was referred to Dr. Shaian Mollaret at the Café of Life in Toronto by a close friend of mine and didn’t waste any time booking my appointment.  Booking that appointment was the best thing I ever did.  Dr. Shaian had explained to me network care and how it trains your body to respond to stress in a more positive way and how we are all connected by our nervous system.  In a matter of minutes I noticed a significant change in myself after the first adjustment.  I did not expect to feel a difference in the way I felt so quickly.  If it hadn’t happened to me I wouldn’t have believed it.  I immediately felt a sense of release in tension all over my body and for the first time in years I was able to breath.  Before the adjustment I felt as though I was breathing through a very thin straw taking in very minimal short breaths.  I didn’t realize how horrible it felt to breathe this way until I had a chance to compare my breathing after my adjustment.  All of a sudden everything inside me released all the tension I had been feeling and created this effortless, natural pathway of deep breathing that was incredible.  All of a sudden it was like I was breathing through a hundred McDonald straws, the kind you get when you order a milkshake.  For the first time in a very long time I was calm mentally, emotionally and physically.  I had found peace.  I noticed I was able to sleep better, the sun was somehow brighter, the trees were a richer green, the air was sweeter and I even surprised myself by using the word ‘beautiful’ to describe things which I never do!  Once again I was happy with life.  I was balanced and able to deal with everyday stress without feeling overwhelmed.  I felt as though my odometer read 250k and someone just pushed the reset button and released all the years of tension I felt.  This feeling of total release, calmness and peace I owe to Dr. Shaian and the Café of Life.  And the best part is that there is no limit to how good I can feel.  It really is unlimited

Living happy,

J.S.

My Testimonial

 Name:  IZ

Evolution of Self

Sometimes the best things in life come to us when we are not even looking for them.  I came to the Café of Life to get relief from chronic neck pain and stiffness in my back.  I was no longer comfortable being adjusted by my straight chiropractor – my neck felt too fragile.  I did not know anything about Network, but the light touch aspect intrigued me.

 I was certainly not expecting the changes that began to take place almost immediately.  The emotional release of the first weeks caught me off guard.  It was difficult, yet in my core I was certain that this was the most important work I could be doing for myself.  So I persevered.  The physical changes evolved more slowly and gradually.

 As I moved through the next months, the heaviness began to lift from my nervous system.  I began to feel lighter in my heart and began to develop flexibility in my spine that I hadn’t felt in years.

 Now as I approach six months as a practice member, I feel like a poster girl for Network.  Physically, improvement is still in progress.  My neck is much improved from where I started.  My back feels really good – I feel stronger, flexible and springy.  Emotionally, psychologically and spiritually I feel transformed.  I have been a lifelong spiritual seeker, having become a vegetarian and a meditator at age 16.  The internal growth I am experiencing has altered my reality.  There is a deep felt joy and happiness where there was no lack of happiness before.  The love, compassion and gratitude that I feel are almost overwhelming at times. 

 Many people in my life have offered unsolicited comments on how I have changed.  I seem so calm, so peaceful, and so happy.  They want what I have found.  My husband started seeing Evan a couple of months ago.  He’s not sure why, but he saw the changes in me. Our relationship, which has always been wonderful, feels renewed on both the emotional and physical levels. We are approaching our 25^th anniversary and enjoying our new life as empty nesters.

 Here’s the thing though.  The extraneous things in my life have not changed.  Work stress, family stress, life’s pressures on me continue at their normal level.  It is I who have changed.  I am still available to the people in my life.  They continue to unload on me and make demands on me.  Emotional stress just doesn’t stick to me the way it used to.   It seems to slide off instead of accumulating in my neck and back and heart.  I am so grateful for that.

 I am also grateful to Evan and to Shaian for creating a beautiful and safe place for people to come and experience growth and healing.  Their compassion, commitment and sensitivity allow each practice member to feel unique and special.  They encourage and support us all on our journey toward wellness.

 IZ

Name:  J

Four months ago, I came to Café of Life after my doctor had told me that there was nothing else he could do about my migraines and that I would just have to live with them.   Because I had tried so many different things, I was skeptical that chiropractic would really work to prevent migraines.   However, in a very short time, I noticed a very clear reduction in the frequency, duration, and intensity of the migraines I was getting.   After these four months, I am now at the point where I rarely get migraines and am not dependent on prescription drugs.   Chiropractic is the only treatment that has successfully prevented, not only aid the treatment of, my migraines.  

            Through entrainments and adjustments, Dr. Evan was able to help my body to release a lot of stored tension.  I became more aware of where I stored tension in my body and learned how I can release that tension.   Being more perceptive of the feelings in my neck and spine allows me to deal with stress more effectively before it builds up and results in a migraine.   I have noticed a very big difference in my breathing- it has become easier and more natural to take deep, full breathes.   For me, breathing has been an effective way to relax and release tension. 

            Most importantly through this experience, I was motivated to make healthier choices because I was feeling so much better.    While I had assumed that chiropractic treatments could help prevent migraines, I had not expected to feel better in so many other areas.   Being more relaxed and rested, prepared to deal with stress more efficiently, and more aware of changes in my body has provided me with the motivation to have a healthier lifestyle.   I think more about the choices I make, especially in regards to eating and being active.   My experiences at Café of Life have had positive effects in all areas of my life.

Name:  Gina

Change IS Good!

So there I was sitting in the cushioned wicker chair filling out some forms at the Café of Life.  It was the first week of May and just about ten days since I moved back home from four incredible years at university.  Having been under Chiropractic care for a few months and being referred to the Café of Life, I didn’t doubt continuing care since my experience had been so amazing.  I just thought that Chiropractic care would continue to enhance my physical health since I had noticed amazing improvements instantly, and I liked the idea of including it into my wellness oriented lifestyle.  Consistent with my expectations, positive physical changes did pursue – from more energy and an improved posture to higher functioning immune and endocrine systems.  Clarity of thought did continue to flourish along with emotional unfolding and personal confidence.  Yet while all these great new changes were going on within me, the most marvelous part was the way that I was dealing with change occurring in my surrounding world.  Here I was returning to an environment that I had been separated from for years.  I did not stick with one general notion of ‘starting anew’, or ‘mending old pieces’, or ‘picking up as if no time had passed’ – I did all three at once!  Fewer actions came out of fear, insecurity, unease, or obligation; actions blossomed from love, security, ease, and freedom.

The best part of my experience so far is that I am truly a happier person.  It seems that I can now see through all the haziness that muffled my thoughts, words, actions, and feelings.  An overall awareness has grown and has helped me achieve a higher quality of life.  I have found a place of peace and serenity.  I feel more in control of my life now than ever before, more robust to change, and more daring.

Before experiencing Chiropractic my vision of the field was skewed.  I saw it in the form of a rehabilitative treatment or a quick fix only necessary for a selective few.  On the contrary, being under care has allowed me to experience it to be much more.  True Chiropractic challenges every child, person, and family to reach out from within.  I recommend this for everyone who values life.  It inspires one to finally stop going through the motion of living and – as said in the Café – “turn on LIFE” instead

Sincerely,

Gina Gallo

Name: Dina

My name is Dina and I am 22. I was born in France and always lived there. I came to Canada as an exchange student for 6 months. The doctor who gave me birth accidentally paralyzed my left arm. I went through re-education since my early childhood, born to recuperate motion with my arm and to prevent the back problems that would come as a consequence.

I had always been a non-cooperative patient. I actually refused what was happening to me, and the obligation of going to the physiotherapist was felt as a burden, as well as my own body; which I learned to ignore. I did not feel comfortable in it, and I was very clumsy.

My left arm recuperated more than expected, but I would avoid using it. It was like a dead part of me. In fact, being born with a paralyzed arm, I felt was an injustice and so I ignored its existence. I always lived with a feeling of incompleteness.

As for my back, it got worse and worse. After my adolescence, I lived in constant pain. Someday I couldn’t even get out of bed. I was only 20, and I did not want to imagine how it would be when I was 60... So I decided to see a physiotherapist again and to do some sports. Re-education was a bit of a relief, and I discovered a passion for contemporary dance, which showed me how much beauty a human body can create. But after every course I would end up with horrible pain.

Then I came to Canada in January 2004. I wanted to take charge of myself, so I regularly went to the swimming pool to perform the exercises I was prescribed. However, despite all my efforts my pain grew so much worse that I could not sleep at night. I was desperate.

There are hardly any chiropractors in France, so I took the opportunity to see one while I was in Canada. On the first day the lack of sleep made me so nervous that I could not even stand the music. Dr. Evan proposed a treatment that was more global and comprehensive than what I was asking for and I liked it. I was told that I should expect anything in the following weeks.

My insomnia was cured very quickly. I had not slept so well for ages. My back got better and better. But it was not so easy at the beginning. I re-experienced some heavy feelings, such as anger and depression. I even remembered some bad memories long forgotten. Not to mention a constant “moodiness”. I would get angry at anybody for nothing, although I always was a calm person! The worst was probably the day I had the most painful headache I had ever had. I was banging my head against the wall. But I decided not to take any medicine and it completely disappeared the day after. Some people asked me if it was necessary to go through such hardships. But I knew from experience that the best changes only come with difficulties, and that easiness does not bring you anything. And I felt that the process could not be stopped anyway.

The second part of the treatment was much easier. And I got the greatest surprise. One day I was sending a message while doing something else. Then I realized that I was performing such an accurate task with my left hand!  I could also see that my range of motion had increased a bit. Later Dr. Evan brought to my attention that I was moving both arms while speaking.

My parents were so happy when I told them what was happening over the phone. It was indeed something amazing that I used my left arm unconsciously.

Dr. Evan told me that the point was to accept my arm as it is to reach a state of wholeness, which I never though I could, as I never wanted to accept my left arm the way it was. But now that I use it more and more it seems I might finally “accept” it, and feel as a whole. My body is much better too, and now I can do many things I could not before. I can probably do some sports again without pain. And I might fulfill an old dream of mine – being a backpacker- which I could not before, because of my back. Even if it is too early to tell, I feel I am entering a new stage in my life, and I am impatient to discover the “new” me.

To finish, I must apologize to Dr. Evan for: moodiness, desire to murder, being very late (often), being just late (every time) and that he adjusted me anyway, last minute cancellations, destruction of material during network adjustments, constant rhetorical questions, giving back his books late, complaining about the North American mentality, bragging about having drunk too much coffee just to tease him (should I try with alcohol?), having failed to use my notebook and, last but not least, taking so much time to write this testimonial – this must be my old European mentality!

As you can see, not only is Dr. Evan a very patient practitioner, but also he is also very dedicated to his job, and very competent. I am very thankful and wish him all the best for the rest of his career. 

Name:  Irma Haggith

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

I was o.k. accept for the fact that I was in a lot of pain when I walked.  However as my treatments progressed I realized it was about more than just the pain in my foot.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

As my body slowly re-aligns itself so do my thoughts, feelings and reactions.  The pain in my foot is gone.  I can wear my shoes and boots again.  I can go for long walks.  I can run with my grandchildren again.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

 Name:  Kathleen McDonald

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

My health was pretty good when I started but I could feel that I didn’t have a full, comfortable expression in my body.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

The obvious improvements are in my physical alignment which can be seen and in the corresponding balancing of my nervous system.  I experience greater vitality.  I need less sleep and awaken more refreshed, focused and ready for the experience of life.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Ian Grant 

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

My health was pretty good before I started care at the Café of Life.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

I have experienced great changes in my posture and well being.  Before I started Chiropractic care I was on 36mg of Concerta, and since I have been attending the Café of Life I reduce my medication to 27mg and now 18mg because I have been feeling GREAT.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Liz Gruszka

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

My right hip was very sore I could not cross my legs; there was always a pain in the hip area.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

It’s now been about 2 years since starting treatment on the hip and I can say the pain has basically gone I’m so thrilled.  I can sit cross legged again I was really upset and nervous about never being able to sit comfortably and it almost feels like a miracle that now I do it.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  May LeBlanc-Mencke

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

Due to the lifestyle I chose, my stress level was at the point that my body was unable to cope with it.  I had an executive position with one of the largest residential builders in Ontario.  I lived with “vertigo” for 20Years, neck spasms, IBS and allergies.  The medical profession was not able to help me.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

My “vertigo” has disappeared! The tension in my neck is gone but the most amazing change is my breathing.  Being so stressed my breathing was very shallow, after a few treatments I was able to take in more oxygen.  Deeper breathing is such a wonderful feeling, a new experience.  I can handle stress much better.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

  Name:  Leslie Grant

  How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

Generally my health was good - I did not start chiropractic care because of a specific need, but a desire to function at my personal best, emotionally, physically and spiritually!

  What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

As a marathon runner and tri-athlete, I’ve noticed dramatic changes in both my breathing and posture.  The “depth” of breathing is particularly amazing and my endurance is much better as a result.  I am used to fairly aggressive treatment for specific sport related injuries so the results of Network care were surprising for me!

  What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Jackie Giovinazzo

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

I was in good health before I began however I had some traumatic experiences in life that left me with emotional stress.  These stresses made me feel less energetic and tense.  I also had bad digestion occasionally which I didn’t even know could have been helped with chiropractic!

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

I feel less tense, more energetic and I have had better digestion.  I also breathe better and I am more conscious about my posture.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Erin McQuaig

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

Before starting care, I had a constant pain in my neck/shoulders and while I didn’t get colds very often, this pain was enough to make me frustrated!  Also, I was generally very stressed.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

Since starting chiropractic care, the pain in my spine/neck has become less constant, and has virtually disappeared from my shoulders.  (This is wonderful!)

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Anais

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

My eating habits were pretty good but I did not get very much exercise, my neck and shoulders often felt tense and I would experience acute pain at the base of my neck doing certain daily activities.  Another area I was tense for a long time was in my throat.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

I have become increasingly more aware of my spine and how it feels when I am standing, sitting, or working.  I am more receptive to my bodies needs, when I’m feeling anxious I’ll try to hit the gym or go for a walk or somehow dispense energy.  I’ve noticed that the pain in my neck is almost completely gone-my body is more relaxed and can cope better with stress.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Krsna

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

I had chronic headaches most of my life, and I frequently had neck pain, often severe.  I had spasms in my neck and back a few times that were very painful and those are just the worst parts.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

I don’t get headaches nearly as much and I am no longer constantly aware of all sorts of aches and pains in my back.  Any time I get stressed due to school if I practice some deep breathing or come in for an appointment it melts away.  I always leave the office feeling happy.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial  

Name: Buzz Grant

1. 

 I had suffered chronic lower back pain and stiffness for a number of years.  For the few months prior to starting care I had trouble getting out of bed in the mornings.  Otherwise, I thought my health was okay, but in hindsight was tense and being affected by the stress of work and family life.

  2. How has your health improved since starting Network Chiropractic care?

 My hope in starting treatment was that my back would feel better.  Coming from a background where my father was an M.D. and my mother a nurse, I was skeptical that this type of treatment would work.  It did take 2-4 weeks for my back to feel 100%.  At first I thought it a coincidence, but I have now been receiving treatment for almost 2 years and my back has felt like a teenager’s 99% of the time.  As an added bonus I feel a lot less tense about life’s daily stresses and generally have a more positive outlook.

 I have no idea if there is a connection but my business has been experiencing record performance since beginning treatment.  All in all the last two years have been very good on a number of fronts.  I sometimes feel like the superstitious goal tender who does not want to change his routine fearing his luck would turn.

 Entrainment is a very relaxing and uplifting experience.  My breathing feels deeper and I often feel the energy or tension physically leaving the body.

 Lower back pain, Positive outlook

My Testimonial

 Name:  Stephanie Hitchin

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

  It wasn’t too bad since I have been trying for almost a year to improve it.  I had already lost weight and had started to remove stress from my life.  But it has continued to improve since I started at the Café of Life. 

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care? 

1.    NO MORE HEADACHES! – After four years of never-ending headaches, I have been free of them for many weeks.

2.    CHANGE IN POSTURE – I stand straighter and my shoulders are relaxed and farther back.

3.    INCREASED BACK STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY – Movement is much easier, and my tennis game has improved!

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

My Testimonial

Name:  Vanessa Hobbs

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

I was constantly experiencing physical pain (diagnosed with fibromyalgia), experiencing depression, stressed out.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

My pain has been greatly reduced.  I feel happier, don’t get as stressed out, I am eating more healthy and am more active!

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

I am off of my anti-depressants.  I am doing much better in school.  I have a more positive outlook on things.

My Testimonial

Name:  Eva Ormut-Fleishman

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

I had terrible back pain.  I thought that my health was relatively o.k. but I wrenched my lower back while dancing and my body curled up into a ball.  I was in great pain becoming depressed.  I had excruciating pain along my left leg.

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

The lower back pain has gradually lifted.  I’m totally mobile.  I feel 100% better within my body.  As well, my spirits have lifted.  I’ve got newfound energy.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

I am able to connect more with my family and friends.  I’m calmer.

My Testimonial

Name:  Mark Daprato

How was your health before you started care at the Café of Life?

Health?  Not sure I appreciated the real meaning of the word before I came here.  Suffice to say, not well.  Pain, cranky, fat, tired, and frustrated. 

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started your chiropractic care?

I am more in tune with my mind and body than ever.  My pain is far less frequent and constantly improving.  I have lost weight, I understand how to manage what I thought were chronic issues.  My hips are mercifully aligned.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

  I am more pleasant to be around more often.  I know how to talk about my stress, and the places it’s held in my body.  This process has been very important.  It’s the first thing to truly work after two chiro’s, one surgeon, two physio’s, two GP’s, and a bunch of people who said I might never fully heal. 

My Testimonial

Name:  James Jevons

How was your health before starting Network Spinal Analysis Chiropractic care at the Café of Life?

In general my health was pretty good.  My main issues prior to starting care included stress and tension from work (I actually had a feeling of dread before going to work), poor posture, a chronic hip flexor problem, and allergy-induced asthma (I required an inhaler for the spring and summer).

What changes have you experienced in your health since you started Network Spinal Analysis Chiropractic.

I lost that feeling of dread and have been able to handle stress a lot better.  When you compare my photos from when I first started care until now, there is dramatic improvement in the curvature of my spine and my posture in general has noticeably improved, especially in my shoulders and neck.  Furthermore, I no longer have any issues with my hip flexor, nor do I require using an inhaler, as my asthma has been restored.   Therefore the dramatic improvements in my breathing make working out and playing sports a lot easier.

What other life changes have you experienced or made while under chiropractic care?

 The most significant life change is I have resigned from my job in the insurance industry and have decided to pursue a career as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist.  I am currently a stay at home dad and am studying for my above certifications through night school.  With the help of chiropractic care (esp. network spinal analysis) and the other seminars provided by the Café of Life it inspired me to make these changes in my life.  Without this inspiration I would probably be returning to a job I do not enjoy.

My family has also made significant changes in diet and even in the products we use to clean our house as we have switched to non-toxic cleaning products.  This was information obtained from one of the seminars hosted by the Café of Life.

Special Note

I have also been bringing my eleven-month-old daughter, Madeleine for weekly treatments.  She has been seeing Evan since she was about three or four weeks of age.  To date she has not been sick, not even one day.  She rarely fusses or cries (unless she is really tired or if she is teething), and is in a good mood most of the time.  Madeleine is also very good at playing independently. 

Madeleine has been sleeping through the night since she was two and a half months of age.  I have spoken with a number of other parents of infants who are Madeleine’s age, and they still have to get up in the middle of the night with their little ones. 

I strongly feel by bringing Madeleine to the Café of Life it is giving her a great start in life.