Founder of Her Metanoia
Hi Rachelle, can you tell us more about you and your background, when did you first come into contact with eastern and holistic medicine?
For the past eight years I’ve been exploring the realm of holistic breast health to heal 12 fibroadenomas and a benign phyllodes tumor. Surgery was a quick fix that didn’t work for me in the past. I wanted to harness my body’s ability to heal naturally. Deep down I knew that if my body created this imbalance, it could also heal it. My healing journey started with Ayurveda, then holistic nutrition, herbalism and recently fascia maneuvers. It’s been a journey of understanding my body, what it’s been communicating via symptoms and getting to the root of the imbalances.
When did you first find out you had fibroadenomas and how did you react to it?
I discovered the first fibroadenoma in my early 20’s and it terrified me. I was so worried that it was something really serious. I had it checked out and because it was over a certain size they recommended surgery. I would later learn that having surgery without correcting the root issue is not a solution.
Something you said in our conversation was: “If my body can grow this, my body can fix this.” What was the first step you think positively impacted your body to reduce your tumor?
I made the intention that I was going to heal. And the journey started by doing an Ayurvedic protocol which helped to clear up my diet and taught me many lessons. During this time I became a Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist and more recently a fascia maneuvers coach which really helped me understand my body and what it needed to heal.
You mentioned you were under an ayurvedic protocol and that one of your biggest learnings was that “everything is energy”. How did this impact your life onwards?
This protocol taught me that what you focus on grows. I was always focused on whether or not the tumor was healing. I was worried the protocol wouldn’t work and I kept obsessing over it. I was blocking my own healing by worrying about it. As they say worrying is praying for something you don’t want. Healing and magic truly happens when we surrender. We have to let it go to let it flow. I had to trust in my body’s ability to heal itself while doing what I could to support it. Trusting and surrendering are truly where it all happens. And while this isn’t always easy to do, it’s paramount in healing.
Can you tell us about your daily routine and your self-care rituals?
I always start my mornings by drinking a 1 liter of room temperature water with lemon and some iodine. This is followed with a meditation practice and some fascia maneuvers. I also set an intention for the day and get clear on my goals.
Fascia maneuvers are part of my daily routine and have completely changed and accelerated my healing journey. It’s completely changed my body and I have never felt so calm and at peace. My self-care has really shifted to being mindful of my thoughts and words. Our cells listen to every word we speak and every thought we think. And I’ve found this to be key in my manifestation practice. Our doubts, fears and worries are all mirrored to us in our external environment. Health is more than just green juices and yoga, it’s also our self talk and self thought.
In your experience, what would you say are the most common limiting beliefs or thoughts that make us ill?
Negative thoughts, doubts, fear, worries all contribute to dis-ease. What we fear we align with. It’s important to align our thoughts and words with love, health and wealth. When I was young I was really fearful that I would get ‘sick’. And so it was.
“Metanoia” is a Greek word that means the journey of change in one’s mind, heart, self or way of life. How did this journey begin for you?
It began when I decided to heal myself holistically. It began when I decided to take responsibility for my own health and to understand what my body was communicating via my imbalances. It wasn’t always easy. I had to change the way I ate, my daily routines, I had to release old habits and outdated ways of thinking.
What inspired you to create Metanoia and what was your purpose?
When I first started my healing journey I couldn’t find any information on holistic breast health. I mean nothing. And I thought to myself that surely I wasn’t the the only one dealing with breast imbalances that weren’t cancer. I’ve learned so many things on my journey that have helped me heal, and I wanted to create a modern, holistic platform that shared all of these amazing tools and information. The focus is holistic breast health, but it encompasses a wholisitc approach and so much of the information and tools can be applied to all health imbalances.
You developed a Breast Mask focused on women connecting more to themselves. What are the healing properties of the Breast Mask?
The Breast Mask has so many incredible properties. The breasts hold a particular type of energy - that of nurturance. I wanted to create a nurturing ritual where I was my own sole focus. Using the mask forces me to carve out time for myself. I can’t rush through it. I love lighting candles, crafting the mask, playing some music and enjoying the mask in the bath. Breast health is about saying no to anything that doesn’t serve you and putting yourself first.
The mask has 13 organic and wildcrafted ingredients and works on the physical, emotional and energetic bodies.
Dandelion root is a true powerhouse for breast health. It’s wonderful for the prevention and treatment of various breast diseases and conditions; benign cysts, tumors of various kinds, cancer, fibroadenomas, lumps, sore breasts, inflammation, suppressed lactation, and swollen breast lymph glands. Helps to restore a sense of belonging and connection.
Ginger is wonderful for breaking up congestion, promotes lymph circulation, relieves pain, dissolves cysts, tumors, and enhances immune system. Rich in antioxidants, zinc, selenium and other minerals. Brings warmth and protection.
Mugwort brings us deep into our center. It helps bring the medicine from all the herbs into the deepest tissues of the body and guides us return to ourselves. Encourages women to connect to the divine feminine within.
Red clover blossoms softens and reduces breast lumps, stimulates lymphatic flow, and anti-cancer. Helps prevent breast cancer recurrence and clears negativity.
French green clay absorbs oils, toxic substances, and impurities from your skin. Tones and stimulates the skin. Rich in magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, silica and other nutrients. It’s a wonderful remineralizing clay.
Seaweed is high in iodine, deeply hydrating, helps prevent cancer, and damage from radiation and chemotherapy. Rejuvenating, healing, and anti-inflammatory. *Locally sourced and harvested in Haida Gwaii islands, BC.
Aloe Vera contains important antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keeps the skin hydrated.
Rose quartz works on an energetic level to open and heal the heart. It soothes and heals and helps call in unconditional love for yourself. Absorbs negative energies from the body and assists in working through grief.
Frankincense essential oil is incredibly healing and detoxifying for breast tissue. Increases intuition of our inner guidance. Anti-inflammatory, soothes and fades scars, heals wounds and reduces inflammation.
Laurel essential oil fosters elevated states of clarity and peace. Increases intuitive insight, promotes lymph flow, is a wonderful breast tissue detoxifier and helps renew skin .
Pine flower remedy encourages the positive potential to accept and respect yourself as you would others. Encourages self worth and self respect.
Cerato flower remedy encourages the positive potential to encourage strength of mind, find trust in your own inner wisdom, and follow it. Stop doubting yourself, be more decisive and self-assured. Encourages self trust.
Crab Apple flower remedy encourages the positive potential to embrace your body and mind, and accept your imperfections. Encourages self acceptance. This remedy is a cleanser and supports blood purification.
Can you tell us more about your workshops and sessions? What are the differences that you see in women before and after?
The workshops, online courses and individual consults are about empowering women with the tools and information needed to make the necessary changes. One of the hardest parts of healing is not knowing where to start or what to do. We all have different journeys and lessons but there are fundamental principles that everyone needs to know. When we know better we can do better. The difference is women now have the tools and information to take their health into their own hands. They feel inspired, supported and empowered.
How would you explain that breast cancer is so common nowadays? Would you relate it to a specific emotion?
We live in highly polluted and stressful environments. Our water is heavily chlorinated, we wear deodorants filled with chemicals, our foods are sprayed with pesticides, we glamorize work but not rest and we put others people’s needs ahead of our own. There are so many factors that contribute to breast cancer and the root cause can be different for every woman. Emotionally, the breasts hold a particular type of energy - that of nurturance. It’s important that women put their own needs first and nurture themselves.
Which are some of the main lifestyle changes that can positively impact your breast health?
Correct nutrient deficiencies, optimize your vitamin D3 and magnesium, supplement with iodine, incorporate breast massage into your self care routine, use a breast oil or mask routinely. And most importantly love yourself, all of yourself, especially your shadow self.
In your opinion, do you think that breast cancer campaigns are giving the correct message to be more self-aware of one’s health? Do you think that it is addressed in the way it should? What message would you like to give and share with others?
I think most breast cancer awareness campaigns are fear based and lack proper education. They tell you to go get checked but don’t give you the tools to prevent ‘finding something’ during an exam. You have to empower yourself when it comes to your own health. You have to become educated with what is going on in your body. It is your responsibility to heal yourself and you’re the only one that can do so. Getting a yearly exam but not implementing lifestyle changes will not yield any results.
How can we be more supportive and contribute to empower women in their own health journeys and specially breast health?
Education. Share the knowledge, the tips and tools. Share your story. Stories are incredibly powerful and can show others what is possible when it comes to healing. Share people’s work. There are so many incredible people who are doing amazing and life changing work.
You are a certified Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist, which are your favorite herbs and what is your infallible recipe?
There are so many incredible herbs that it’s hard to choose just one. Herbs that are always on hand are nettle, horsetail, pau d’arco, and hibiscus just to name a few. For these hot summer months I love a hibiscus and rosehip infusion. The simpler the better.
You are a certified Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist, which are your favorite herbs and what is your infallible recipe?
There are so many incredible herbs that it’s hard to choose just one. Herbs that are always on hand are nettle, horsetail, pau d’arco, and hibiscus just to name a few. For these hot summer months I love a hibiscus and rosehip infusion. The simpler the better.
To learn more about Rachelle Poitras, please visit her at hermetanoia.com or on Instagram @her_metanoia
Rachelle – Wellness Guide
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The end all be all of holistic products. My all time favorite. ALL the products are incredible. They have an amazing breast oil too :)
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A beautiful and organic approach to hair care and growth. Love the hair mask for repair and hydration.
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Love Meredith’s products! I’m obsessed with the mist.
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Their fascia maneuvers have completely transformed my life, and it’s free to get started!
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I use this weekly. One of my all time favorite rituals.
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I love castor oil and it’s helpd me heal so many things. I took it to the next level and infused it with turmeric and ginger. It’s a game and health changer.
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