Throw Kindness Like Confetti: Little Ones Aqua Therapy & Miraculiss

'Tis the season for sparkle, sequins and gift-giving -- this much is obvious. But it's also a great time to give back to those who need a helping hand, financial aid or assistance. I sometimes talk or write about energy and how I can feel good vibes in people -- stay with me here; I like working and hanging around people filled with goodness, kind hearts and souls.

Today I'd like to highlight a kind soul who has not only created a business on a desire to help someone in need but is also using her life experience, her voice and her time to give back. This person is Christina Costantino of Alternative Healing and Little One's Aqua Therapy in Vaughan.











At 15 years old, Christina was involved in a traumatic and life-changing accident; she was hit by a car while riding her bike. For 6 years, she suffered extreme pain, psychological effects as a result of the accident (like not tolerating loud noises, not be able to sit or stand for long periods of times, and anxiety). Doctors also discovered she had scoliosis, which worsened as years went on.

At 21, Christina endured a posterior spinal fusion and bone graft to current the severe curvature in her spine, and jokes, "I'm pretty much the terminator! I'm made up of twelve bolts and screws, 2 titanium rods and a bone graft from a donor."

But Christina never used her accident as a way to play a victim -- quite the contrary, actually. While her perspective on life and gratitude shifted, she channelled her energy and discovered a love for massage therapy, as it was "the only thing that eased my pain, cleared my mind and soothed my soul."

This became her business motto, and after becoming an RMT, she founded Alternative Healing in 2013. In 2019, married, with two children, she opened Little One's Aqua Therapy -- but the story doesn't end there.

Over a year ago, Christina met Michaela Roukouz.

Michaela was born with lissencephaly, which literally means "smooth brain". Lissencephaly is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation categorized by the absence of normal convolutions (folds) in the cerebral cortex. (Source: https://miraculiss.com/)

In an effort to further help her patient and complement her massage therapy, Christina began to research hydrotherapy tubs and was inspired to open Little One's Aqua Therapy to help Michaela and other babies.

Little Ones Aqua Therapy is a paediatric division within Alternative Healing offering hydrotherapy, registered massage therapy, developmental workshops, CPR training, and a retail section filled with goods for your littles.

"Hydrotherapy allows the patient to exercise while being immersed in water. For babies, it encourages neurological and physical development, improves sleep, relieves gas and improves muscle development, coordination, balance, appetite and more. And it's covered under extended health benefit plans," says Christina.

The therapeutic spa is designed for babies and toddlers 2 months to 5 years (38 inches) but they offer developmental workshops for children up to 12 years old. 

As for Michaela, she loves her hydrotherapy sessions she continues to undergo treatments and therapies through various clinics and doctors. As she gets older, she will undoubtedly require special equipment to help her body stand or move.

In collaboration with her family, Christina will be starting a foundation in honour of Michaela called Miraculiss, where proceeds from sales and various marketing campaigns will be channelled. Currently, Christina is selling kindness badges created by 4 Amazing Kids Apparel and proceeds will go to Miraculiss.

To order a badge, please contact Christina or Miraculiss. 

"The only limitations that exist are the ones you create for yourself. Be humble, be kind, be grateful, and ask for help. Surround yourself with like-minded people who lift you up and that you can learn from. Never stop bettering yourself, we are not perfect. Lastly, always give thanks and appreciate what you have at every step." ~Christina Costantino