ROBERT SCHAD NATUROPATHIC CLINIC
WHAT IT IS: The student clinic at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada’s largest naturopathic health clinic.
BEST FOR: People interested in exploring naturopathic care who want to spend a bit less than they would going to a doctor in private practice. The clinic offers ongoing care “from pediatrics to geriatrics,” addressing acute and chronic conditions from allergies to depression, colds to cancer. Therapies include acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition and counselling.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Initial visits with a fourth-year intern and a supervising doctor take 90 minutes and will cover your relevant medical history, current health issues and a physical exam as well as any diagnostic tests, if necessary. Return visits usually run about an hour.
WHAT IT COSTS: Clinic fees are $65 for initial consultation ($50 seniors/under 18) and $35 ($26 seniors/under 18) for follow-up appointments.
HOURS AND LOCATION: Mon 2:45-7:30pm; Tue-Fri 8:45am-7:30pm; Sat 9:45am-2:30pm. 1255 Sheppard E. 416-498-9763. www.rsnc.ca.
 

BEAUTY EXCHANGE ESTHETIC SCHOOL AND SPA
WHAT IT IS: A training centre and professional spa where young women study esthetics and business skills in a supportive environment.
BEST FOR: Relaxing massages based on Swedish techniques (note: students are not RMTs) and detoxifying body wraps given in private, candlelit rooms.
WHAT TO EXPECT: A small waiting area, a bustling common room for manicures and pedicures and quiet treatment rooms. Inspirational messages and angel and fairy images contribute to the unpretentious, femme vibe.
WHAT IT COSTS: For services performed by students, an aromatherapy massage is $39, a hot stone massage is $85 and a mud wrap is $46.
HOURS AND LOCATION: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm. 3281 Yonge. 416-932-2445. www.beauty-exchange.com.


PASSPORT TO PRANA
WHAT IT IS: A yoga initiative that allows passport-holders to sample a single class at over 30 participa-ting yoga studios.
BEST FOR: Yoga neophytes who want to shop around before committing to a specific practice and long-time enthusiasts who want to check out different studios.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Depending on your willingness to travel out to surrounding burbs (namely, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Brampton and Mississauga), you may or may not fill up your whole passport. But with 20 options in Toronto proper at popular studios like Octopus Garden, Moksha, YogaSpace and The Yoga Sanctuary, you can try everything from hot to hatha and still more than pay for your pass.
WHAT IT COSTS: A pass is $30, which works out to less than a dollar per if you hit them all.
HOURS AND LOCATION: Varies with location. Passes are available at participating studios and at www.passporttoprana.com.