Sweet Pea Wellness

This lady knows her stuff!! Before Vern Wakunick I had constant hip and lower back issues. In my first appointment she not only figured out the root of my problem but after one treatment was able to bring my body back into alignment and bring me ongoing relief, something no masseur has been able to do before. If you've never tried Thai massage before, give it a try, it's been a god send for me! Besides her extensive knowledge and amazing technique she also super fun to work with! Thank you Vern Wakunick!!

I have been wanting to take the Thai Massage course for over a year now, but nothing felt right until I spoke with Vern. Her calming and grounding demeanor was the warm welcome my body and spirit needed to say YES to finally taking the course. And I am so so glad I chose to learn and work with Vern. Her passion for Thai Massage does not go unnoticed and she helped me fall in love with a practice that will be a part of my life for the rest of my days. I feel grateful that Vern was my teacher, she knows this practice very well and teaches it even better. She's patient and present. Thank you, Vern, for everything you taught me and for making me feel so at home during my time in Winlaw. with love, Josi

I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis for quite some time and and for the first time in a number of years I am actually getting some relief. In the last several years I have had acupuncture, multiple chiropractic methods, laser…pretty much done it all. None of these therapies have provided any relief that lasted more than a day, and I can’t tell you how costly it has been.Vern’s treatments have worked wonders with my feet and loosened the muscles in my legs to the point that, unless I overdue my exercises, I really don’t feel any pain anymore. In a world where most services are mediocre at best, I can definitely give Vern a 5 Star Review.

Vern is very professional with a wide range of knowledge to aid in overall wellness. She is genuine and has a great vibe about her. Would highly recommend.

As briefly as I can, here’s my long story: I’ve been a chronic pain patient for 20 years after a car accident. A scan showed I was born with a malformation of one or more vertebrae & was told I should never to see a chiropractor. So, I tried massage, physiotherapy, acupressure, injections, was sent to pain clinics, programs & workshops. I went to rehabilitation at the gym & pool, everything that was available to me I did. Some gave momentary, but not enough relief & my prescription for opioids gradually increased for years. After leaving my job, I fell into a deep depression & stopped participating in life. Last year, my little cocoon was flipped upside down. It shook me like only the death of a younger sibling could. Things needed to change and on the morning after the one year anniversary, as if by design, they started to.I'm not sure I can adequately describe how much my life has changed the past few months & finding Vern at Sweet Pea Wellness is a huge part of that. I happened upon an article about a new addition to Nelson that offered Thai massage. Curious what that was, I checked out the website. I was immediately attracted to the alignment & stretching aspects, especially the fascia work. I didn’t know how to verbalize what I felt my body needed all of these years, until then. Even though she’s two towns & over an hour away, I knew I had to make an appointment.A few years ago I switched to a different opioid & was able to taper down the dose, but after more than 18 straight years on pain meds, I had resigned myself to the fact I’d be on them forever. I had one session with Vern and was proven wrong. I went two full days without opioids & was in complete shock. Then incorporating Vern’s work to my body with yoga & cannabis (CBD in particular) after just my second appointment with her, I came off opioids completely.Vern knew what my body needed without me saying a word. She is so knowledgeable, kind, supportive & talented. She will be your biggest cheerleader & I may just be her's! I’m in such a positive, hopeful place that for many years I thought was out of reach. It’s impossible for me to explain what it feels like to come off of opioids after nearly two decades. Kind of like learning to be in a new body. I’ve had three sessions at Sweet Pea & simply cannot rave enough about what she has been able to do for me. Thank you Vern!

Every time I feel my body could use an adjustment and a good stretch I go see Vern. Her full body Thai Massage treatment is so good for me. Takes away all the back pain I get from work and leaves me feeling energized and powerful. She also helps me with homework stretches that I can keep doing regularly to keep my body aligned and strong. I extremely recommend everybody to go see Vern for an incredible Thai Massage. It is the only massage that works for me and for so many people I know who have gone to see her. You should go see her too!

Vern brings such attentive presence to her work.She has a comprehensive intake form to better align her practice to your needs. I received my treatment just before having to drive for 9 hours. The Thai Massage made for a much more relaxing and comfortable drive back to Calgary from Nelson, and relieved my shoulder, neck and hip discomfort. Vern has a beautiful studio where you also have access to a sauna and shower. I would highly recommend her services. Thanks, Vern for your thoughtful and skillful attention. ~Tru Guy Stefan

Vern is not only a great massage therapist, but a fantastic teacher of this ancient healing practice. With her patience and guidance (and drive) I was able to successfully learn the art of Thai Massage. I had one of the best experiences of my life learning this practice from Vern. I'd highly recommend her class! Also, best massage ever, so amazing that I felt the difference in my body immediately!

One of the best Thai massages I have had including those in Bangkok. Vern is a true pro - very aware of how to accommodate injury. I highly recommend Vern - she even gave me an exercise to do which would change my life and it has - great back stretch! thank you so much.