I studied Science at the University of Alberta. At that time, I was convinced I wanted to be a dentist. After shadowing a dentist for over one year, I decided dentistry was not the career for me.  I also knew I wanted to focus on proactive healthcare rather than reactive healthcare. Preventative care and the ability to help people without the use of drugs or surgery seemed empowering - and it is! 

I think in general, I wanted to be ahead of the curve. I felt a shift in the trajectory of healthcare. I felt people more so wanted a preventative approach to healthcare - and the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic as a discipline correlates with those values. That is why I decided to be a chiropractor. 

What has it been like creating your own practice here in Edmonton? Is there anything interesting or surprising you have learned about your community throughout this journey?

Building a practice is a humbling experience. I’ve learned just how important community actually is. Coming from an industry where patient-doctor relationships are very black & white and often cold, I’ve really been able to build a practice in a non conventional way - by fostering patient relationships through social media. Take for example when telling patients about the importance of posture, it’s easy to reference to my social media platform where there will be a video about that very topic. It also allows me to be accessible to patients - I’m always open to questions or direct messages if patients have any concerns or questions.

How do you practice wellness in your day-to-day life - physical, mental, and even spiritual? Is there something outside of your practice that you do to help maintain your physical & mental health?

My occupation requires both physical and mental exertion. I realized very early on in my career how imperative it is to incorporate self-care into my life to decrease burnout, physical exhaustion and overall happiness. I love going out to new restaurants in the city, catching up with friends and family over coffee, working out at one of my favourite exercise classes or simply sitting down & cooking a great meal at home. I’m also very serious about taking care of my body since I use it everyday to do my job. That includes monthly massages, chiropractic care, facials, reading & exercise. 

How do you think being a chiropractor is connected to wellness in a more holistic sense?

Chiropractic care is a full body approach. The technique I practice - Active Release - in my opinion, is one of the most holistic approaches because it focuses on the body as a whole. Each piece of the body is very much connected. Say for example someone sprains their ankle, that could easily present as lower back pain. If not treated that low back pain could develop into thoracic or neck pain, etc.  By treating physical symptoms, looking at the body as a whole and encouraging healthy behaviour, including an anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise, chiropractic care encompasses the body, mind and soul. At its very core the definition of chiropractic encourages a holistic approach to the body.

Do you have any tips or tricks for people who feel like they don’t have time or cannot fit a wellness break into their workday or daily routine?

Yes, it’s that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes I will wake up 15 minutes earlier, grab a coffee at my favourite coffee shop and enjoy uninterrupted, silent time by myself. That’s my idea of self-care. Try taking a 15 minute walk around the block if you have a cancelled meeting or patient cancellation. Hang eucalyptus leaves from your shower head and instantly transform your bathroom into a spa.  Finish with my favourite Pura body product, the Cocoa & Rose Body Oil and find yourself instantly relaxed and recharged for your next workday. 

Are there any Pura Botanicals potions that you cannot live without, and what does your daily self-care routine look like?

I have two favourite Pura products that I cannot live without. The Radiant Face Drops (which I’ve probably repurchased OVER 20 TIMES), are a blast of hydration. I find it imperative during the Winter months with our harsh, dry weather. I find it equally important during the Summer. Underneath makeup, the oil gives a gorgeous luminosity to the skin without applying any highlighter. I am a firm believer in applying oils to the skin. It basically tricks my skin into thinking its oily; therefore producing less oil leading to fewer breakouts. I finish my makeup routine by taking a drop of the Radiant Face Drops, and dipping my damp makeup sponge into it then applying it onto my skin. I find it blends my makeup beautifully!

My other Pura favourite is the Cocoa & Rose Body Oil.  From working in the medical field I often see patients suffering from debilitating headaches, and I find that I cannot wear harsh fragrances & perfumes. The Cocoa & Rose Oil is not only hydrating, but it has a gentle and calming scent that has become my signature fragrance! It is the most luxurious treat to apply after a steamy shower - a form of self-care in and of itself!

XOXO

~ Dr. Mecca Fayad, @drmeccafayad