What is Registered Massage Therapy and how will it benefit me?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints.
Massage therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Treatment enhances the client’s overall sense of emotional and physical well-being and quality of life by reducing soft tissue discomfort associated with stress, muscular over use, and chronic pain syndromes.
FAQs
What is the level of undress required for a massage?
Your therapist will ask that you undress to your comfort level. You will be covered by sheets and the only area that is undraped during the treatment is the area the therapist is working on.
Is massage therapy painful?
Your massage should not hurt past your point of tolerance. Your therapist will ask your feedback in regards to the pressure being used during the treatment.
How often should you receive a massage?
The duration and frequency of massage treatments varies from person to person. Treatment frequency can range from once or twice per week, to once a month.
Naturopathic Medicine is a form of primary health care that emphasizes the use of natural therapies to support the body’s own healing ability.
It is a holistic and personal approach to health and wellbeing. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases – the primary focus is to identify and treat the underlying cause of symptoms and disease.
Naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patients needs and can include botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, nutrition and lifestyle changes, acupuncture and more.
FAQs
What can be expected in a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor?
The first visit is typically 1 – 1 ½ hr. and involves a detailed intake and thorough physical exam and may also include laboratory testing such as urine or blood analysis. During the first visit, the Naturopathic Doctor listens carefully to the patients health concerns so that treatment can be tailored to that individual. A second visit is typically 2 weeks after the first and is 45 min. During this visit the Naturopathic Doctor provides a treatment protocol that is customized with the patient to fit their specific needs. Third visits and other follow-up visits are typically 4-6 weeks apart and are 30 min. in length. During these visits, there is a re-assessment of the patients condition and modifications are made to the treatment protocol if necessary.
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
Naturopathic Medicine is not currently covered by OHIP.
Are the services offered covered by extended healthcare insurance?
Most extended healthcare insurance does have coverage for Naturopathic Medical care. Look for it under the paramedical services section.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained and regulated?
a) Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of 3-years of undergraduate studies before being accepted into the 4-year full-time Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. The program involves extensive training in medical studies such as pharmacology, physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, and naturopathic modalities such as acupuncture, nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine as well as 1500 hrs of supervised clinical practice. Graduates must successfully complete rigorous examinations to obtain their license to practice Naturopathic Medicine.
b)Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are regulated through the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy
I am currently being treated by a Medical Doctor, can I also see a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained to work with Medical Doctors to provide their patients with a complete healthcare experience. Naturopathic Doctors are well trained in potential interactions between their medicine and prescription medications so that they can provide safe treatment suggestions to patients under the care of Medical Doctors.
What is Acupuncture and how will it benefit me?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of recorded medicine. It focuses on the movement of energy within the body, otherwise known as Qi. An acupuncturist views illness and pain as being associated with blockages or imbalances of Qi.
To access the body’s Qi, acupuncturists insert small needles into specific areas on a pathway that Qi follows, or channel. Other means of accessing and controlling Qi are acupressure, diet, exercise and lifestyle advice; some of or all of these may be used in treatment. The goal in an acupuncture treatment is to encourage a person’s body to relax and restore Qi flow, reducing symptoms and restoring health naturally.
There are many benefits associated with Acupuncture. Acupuncture can be used for pain relief, including symptoms of inflammation, carpal tunnel, and pre and post surgical recovery. Acupuncture has also been shown to aide athletic performance by as it helps with faster recovery from injuries. It is also quite effective with insomnia, headaches and migraines. Acupuncture also helps sinus problems, stress relief and the chronic aches and pains of fibromyalgia. It can also assist with fertility, pregnancy and labor.
FAQs
Does Acupuncture hurt?
No. Typically patients will describe a feeling of deep relaxation and an overall feeling of well being during, and after acupuncture treatments. On insertion of the needles, there may be an electrical feeling, a small pressure (similar to a bug bite), or sensations of hot or cold. The type of sensation varies from person to person, and from point to point.
I hate needles. Does this mean I can't have Acupuncture?
No need to fret! There are several ways of treating people that do not include needles. While typically the use of needles will decrease the number of treatments needed, some people just don't relax around them. Let me know if you think you will require needle free treatments.
How do you clean your needles?
I only use disposable needles. They are used once and then thrown away.
Do I have to believe for Acupuncture to work?
Acupuncture elicits an actual physical reaction through the release of endorphins.
What is NSA and how will it benefit me?
Network Spinal Analysis (N.S.A.) is health and wellness care that uses GENTLE, specific touches on your spine. This signals your nerve system that it’s safe to slow down, relax and unwind.
This form of chiropractic care helps your body find and dissolve areas of stress in your spine and body while strengthening the connection between body and mind.
This will allow you to:
- Experience a much deeper and complete breathing rhythm
- Reconnect your mind and body so you can find what requires healing and repair
- Find and dissolve areas of stress and tension in your spine and body
- Experience the real you and your well-being
FAQ
1. How can something so gentle have such a profound effect on the body?
When a light force is applied to a specific point(s) on the body, research shows that, as a reflex, the brain/body shifts from stress physiology to one of reassessment, growth and reorganization. Energy that was formerly bound as muscle, joint and nerve system tension appears to be liberated for constructive purposes. Benefits of this are increased spinal and neural integrity and a greater capacity to release stored tension. Network Spinal Analysis allows individuals to move from 'fight or flight' physiology to safety and from safety to growth. As this occurs new strategies and spinal and neural outcomes develop which have never been reported elsewhere.
2. Do I need to receive chiropractic care for the rest of my life?
That's an individual question; it depends on what your goals for health and wellness are. Research shows that significant changes in a person's physical, mental and emotional state begin within the first eight weeks of care. It also has been determined that people receiving Network Care for more than two years were still showing improvements in all areas of health and wellness, suggesting enhanced wellness accrues with time. There appears to be no limit to improvement of a person's physical health, emotional health, ability to adapt to stress and enhanced quality of life. During your initial report of findings, we will help you plan your goals for care.
3. When will the pain go away?
Symptoms, diseases and conditions are warning signs that the body is overloaded and cannot properly deal with itself or its environment, much like when the temperature light on a car’s dashboard comes on because the engine’s cooling system cannot deal with internal or external temperatures. We tell our practice members that we do not want their pain to go away until their body is working better and no longer needs it. Network Spinal Analysis is a great way to get your body working better. When you let your engine cool, the temperature light will go out.
What is Psychotherapy/Counseling and how will it benefit me?
You and your therapist will explore why you think, feel and act the way you do. This allows you to gain self awareness and understanding, which leads to self acceptance, forgiveness, healing, positive change, and freedom from pain, fear, chaos, grief and confusion.
How will it benefit me?
- self discovery
- self development
- healing emotional pain
- clarity
- ignite one’s life purpose
- strengthen self esteem
- development of self worth
- better relationship development with yourself and others
- stress reduction
- anger management
- ability to move forward and create positive change
FAQs
Why see a counselor?
Everyone needs help on occasion. A therapist is someone who listens and hears you as they provide guidance and support you through your pain, fear, confusion, chaos, and the many challenges of life. They are there for you in a non judgmental, compassionate, and supportive way. They can help you put issues into clearer, manageable perspectives and positive change begins to take place. They will help you heal and forgive, giving you the ability to create coping strategies, incorporating new skills you can build into everyday life.
How long should you see a therapist for?
The length of time to see a therapist for is very personalized and depends on the issues that need to be dealt with. If there is only an issue or two that needs to be addressed, then a couple of sessions may be all you need. Some issues, however, have been ongoing for a long time, or may be very complex, or could fully affect all aspects of your life. In this case, 12 or more sessions may be needed. In some instances, you will come to work on an issue, and months later, come in again and work on another issue. Therefore, we can potentially work with you for years, addressing various issues throughout the sessions.
Does it really work?
Yes, however, it is not the therapist who will fix the problem. It is up to you to use the coping tools that were developed in the sessions as a catalyst for your healing process. If you do the required work, you will be successful in healing and moving forward.
What is Reflexology and how will it benefit me?
Reflexology is a healing art developed in the 1900’s. Also known as pressure point therapy, the Reflexologist applies pressure using various manual techniques to certain points on the feet to facilitate healing of the corresponding body part. A Foot Reflexologist treatment begins with a relaxing foot bath, followed by a complete foot treatment while relaxing in a serene, peaceful setting.
Reflexology is used to clear congestion in the body to promote healing by stimulating the reflexes found on the feet that correspond to parts of the body.
FAQs
How long does it take to see the benefits of Reflexology?
Although one will feel the benefits of relaxation and a deep sense of peace following the treatment, as all natural healing arts address the cause of the disease, the healing time depends on the severity of the illness to begin with. Each body is unique and responds with healing in its own time and space.
Are there side effects to a Reflexology treatment?
No, these treatments are not drug-related, so side effects are not common nor expected. As detoxification of the body and healing begins after a treatment, one may or may not experience flu like symptoms and fatigue. These symptoms are uncommon but normal and are not a concern. Continue regular treatment, and these symptoms should subside within a few days.
What conditions can be treated using Reflexology?
Reflexology is beneficial for all conditions of the body and mind as well as the emotional state.
What is Reiki and how will it benefit me?
Reiki, is a gentle hands on healing art of Japanese origin, reconnecting you with the ability to self heal and heal others. Reiki is received fully clothed through a series of gentle hand placements. Chakras and major systems of the body are given a concentrated life energy force, enhancing the body’s inherent power to heal.
Reiki helps to reduce stress, relieve pain, balance emotions, and facilitate personal healing and spiritual growth.
FAQs
How does Reiki work?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
What will I experience during a Reiki session?
Each person’s experience of Reiki is unique to them and how they perceive the Reiki energy. People have reported a warm sensation or a tingling in the body followed by a deep sense of relaxation. Relaxation and stress reduction triggers the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain optimal health and well-being
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What is IET and how will it benefit me?
This particular energy work gets the “issues out of the tissues”.
IET assists the individual to release limiting energy patterns, negative belief systems, and unwanted, suppressed feelings that may be unconsciously stored in the cellular memory due to post traumatic stress from early experiences in life that were unpleasant or seriously traumatic.
During the treatment the client is lying down fully clothed, and feels very relaxed as the therapist places her hands on specific locations and integration points over the client’s body. This therapy is excellent for helping one to finally overcome limiting beliefs about themselves or their life in general, helping them to reach their true potential!
View our client testimonials here.
What is Shiatsu and how will it benefit me?
Shiatsu is a type of bodywork involving the application of comfortable holding pressure to the recipient's body to improve energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility and posture, and to promote the body's own healing.
A Shiatsu session with Heather is performed on a table and lasts about 60 minutes. Energy circulates through the body along the same meridian lines that is recognized in Acupuncture. When there are blockages of the Chi, imbalance in the meridians results in "dis-ease" in our lives; stress, muscular tension, difficulties in respiration, digestion, circulation, and structural imbalances causing back pain or other misalignment. Heather focuses on the underlying cause of "dis-ease" as well as the symptoms by correcting the imbalances between meridians. After a session you will feel less stress and pain as your body continues to heal.
FAQs
What happens in a treatment?
According to your preference, a Shiatsu session can be performed on the floor or a table. Shiatsu pressure is applied to the body through clothing (please wear something comfortable), using the therapist's own body weight as a source of just the right amount of pressure. Stretches are also used to increase flexibility to the muscles and joints. The underlying condition is treated along with the symptoms that are presenting themselves.
How many treatments will I need?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on the individual's condition. Conditions less than one week old may need one or two treatments, whereas a chronic condition usually requires many treatments. Immediate positive effects from the treatment are generally noticeable. Each treatment builds on the last and the body begins to respond more quickly each treatment. Often you will feel lighter in your spine and body, more relaxed and balanced.
Does Shiatsu hurt?
In choosing Shiatsu , you are assured that pressure will be as firm or as gentle as you are comfortable with. It will not be painful. There are several styles of Shiatsu and thousands of therapists. Each style and therapist's treatment is unique. Heather will give you a treatment that accommodates your needs and is firm, grounded, and nurturing.
How is Shiatsu different from Swedish massage?
During a Shiatsu session, loose comfortable clothing is worn, whereas during a Swedish massage the therapist works directly on skin. No oils or lotions are rubbed on the body unless cupping is required. The most distinctive difference is the application of the pressure techniques used. In Shiatsu, stationary pressure is applied instead of rubbing. Thumbs, palms, elbows, and knees are used to ease their way into knots and sore areas. A relaxation response occurs due to the deep penetrating.
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