Alison Campbell

In the Natural Health Industry since 2008

Professional Qualification: Certified Swedish Massage Therapist

Current Position: Wellness Provider

Alison Ali Campbell was born in Calgary, Alberta. She and her family moved to Grande Prairie shortly after her birth. At age 19, Ali's world was turned upside-down when she was diagnosed with Crohn's, colitis and celiac disease. She has had many health struggles since then but chooses to maintain a beautiful outlook on life. Ali finds perspective through leading a holistic, self-care lifestyle. She also prioritizes connection with her loved ones, including her family and partner, Stu, for they are constant reminders that she lives a blessed life. Ali loves to have the freedom to travel, explore and learn. She adores the outdoors and believes nature is medicine. She also believes the staff at her Health Hut home play an important role in her healing journey. Ali's cheerful personality and dedication to self-care awareness, plus her fantastic sense of humour, make her a cherished and indispensable member of The Health Hut family.

What is one item on your bucket list?

Bali. I would love to do a meditation and yoga retreat in Bali.

Who is a valued teacher in your life?

My health is my biggest teacher. My body has shown me how strong I am. My illnesses have gifted me a new set of eyes that give me new perspectives on life on a daily basis. Through all the hard times with being sick, I feel as though it is the biggest blessing in my life.

What are your thoughts on gratitude?

Gratitude is something I try to practice daily. I'm incredibly grateful to be alive, to live in Canada with our rights and freedoms, to have legs to walk on, and to have a house to keep me warm. I am grateful for the family I was born into and that my partner Stu is by my side throughout this roller coaster called life.

Teach us something new that you are learning about right now.

I am really interested in all the lessons that can be taught from nature. When I was living in the Yukon, I was lucky enough to work with the brilliant herbalist Beverly Grey. She taught me about the healing properties of wild plants and flowers.

My favourite flower I worked with was fireweed because it is an excellent remedy for skin conditions and has amazing results in helping with dry skin and rashes. It's also great to drink as tea because firewood soothes the soul.

I find it fascinating to learn about the healing power of wild plants. I love knowing that nature provides for us!

What is your current favourite quote, mantra or affirmation? Why?

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better -Albert Einstein. Sitting in nature always clears my mind and makes me feel immediately better. I love listening to birds sing, and to the sound of flowing water. I am in constant awe of the gifts Mother Earth delivers.

What area of holistic health do you find the most interesting? Why?

Digestion and diet. The human body is designed to heal itself. When we start listening to our body and what it needs and wants, we have the power to change our health. It's so interesting to see how powerful the body is when we eliminate the foods it doesn't need or want out of our diet and how doing that can make us feel so much better. With the knowledge and experience I have learned through my personal dealings with digestion, I hope that I can help others find relief.

Holistic health is described as the health of the whole body, the Mind-Body-Emotion-Spirit connection. How does holistic health show up in your life outside of work?

Every day, all day. I am constantly in touch with my body. I practice mindfulness through eating a proper diet that helps heal my guts. I try to journal every day because writing is good for mental health. I move my body, whether it's walking to the mailbox or two minutes of yoga in my kitchen. I also try to sit in silence and just listen to my breath. I try to live my life for me and what makes my soul happy.

As a Supplement Advisor, what area of natural health do you enjoy discussing with customers?

I am most confident in talking about digestion, but I am most passionate about mental health. I have battled severe anxiety. I have had more panic attacks that I can count. I was told at age 14 that I had general anxiety disorder, and it was incredibly hard to deal with as a teenager. I used to be afraid to talk about it, but after so many customers have come into the store to seek guidance on mental health, it's been refreshing to be able to chat with others who have gone through it or who are going through the same thing. I feel I can especially relate to young teens about this.

How has your understanding of health or dis-ease changed throughout your career?

Through living with a disease and from working with others who have been sick, I have realized that it is when the body is in dis-ease that sickness can arrive. It's when we experience disharmony that we are thrown off-balance, whether that's physically, mentally or emotionally. After being through so many health struggles, I can finally say that I know my body and I listen to my body. I know the signs of sickness creeping into my life, and I know when I need to say no. I have learned to honour my body and health.

Describe a memorable conversation with a customer.

There are so many, but recently I had the chance to chat with a customer who was newly diagnosed with cancer. She was extremely positive. She told me that she wasn't afraid to die because she trusts in the natural flow of the universe. She also believes that her sickness came with a purpose. Her attitude towards this took me by surprise and filled me with inspiration. She reminded me that every day is a gift and that it's okay to slow down, to truly live in the moment, to spend more time with loved ones, and to trust in the process of life. I don't think I will ever forget her reassuring smile.