Swedish Massage
All registered massage therapists in Canada are trained in Swedish massage.  It is performed with oil or lotion and includes techniques such as effleurage and petrissage.  Swedish massage therapists can incorporate the use of warm or cool applications, stretching and joint mobilizations into their treatments. 

Depending on the goals of the client, Swedish massage spans a continuum from relaxation massage—using broad, general techniques and gentle pressure—to treatment oriented massage using specific techniques and deep pressure to address a particular ailment.

Swedish massage is very effective in the treatment of:

• Stress
• Muscle tension
• Acute and chronic injuries
• Postural dysfunctions
• Tension headaches
• TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
• Constipation
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Arthritic pain
• Soft tissue changes related to pregnancy 

Hot Stone Therapy
Hot Stone Therapy is the therapeutic use of basalt stones that are heated in water to massage the body. 

The stones used in my treatments are basalt rock originating from the Andes Mountains in South America that are formed as the lava cools following a volcanic eruption.  The local ecology is respected and not damaged in the retrieval of the stones. 

During treatment, stones are placed on areas of the body that are not being worked on in order to provide deep, warm heat to the muscles and joints.  A barrier is always placed between the stones and the client’s skin and the client is asked about the temperature of the stones to ensure client safety and comfort. 

Massage lotion is used initially to lubricate an area of the body being treated and all subsequent techniques are performed with the stones in hand. 

The hot stone treatment is a relaxation treatment that provides deep penetrating heat to tired muscles and sore joints.  This treatment is especially comforting in the cold winter months and is recommended for relieving stress, improving circulation, decreasing arthritic pain, and decreasing muscle tension.

 

Suikodo
Suikodo, which means “The way of ancient wisdom”, is a unique treatment modality developed by Master Mitsuki Kikkawa. In his over thirty years as a shiatsu therapist, master Kikkawa discovered that one can relax or reset the position, tone or function of virtually any body structure by using gentle, specific, repetitive motions.  I have had the great privilege of taking courses with Master Kikkawa and continue to learn and develop my skills in using Suikodo techniques with my clients.  

Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, ears and feet that correspond to every part of the body.  Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology is effective in relieving tension, improving circulation and helps to promote the natural functioning of the related areas of the body.  Reflexology has a profound effect on the nervous system and is deeply relaxing. 

During a foot reflexology treatment firm thumb pressure is used to treat specific reflex points on the top, bottom and sides of both feet with extra time spent on areas that are specific to the client’s current health status.  At the end of the treatment both feet are massaged using lotion.

CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral therapy was developed by osteopathic physician, Dr. John Upledger. It is a light-touch approach that can release tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction, to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, and to enhance overall health and well-being. During a CranioSacral treatment, the therapist will evaluate the rhythm of craniosacral fluid as it flow around the central nervous system to identify areas of weakness or restriction. The client feels a deep sense of relaxation as as the therapist uses distinctive light touch techniques to release these areas. CranioSacral therapy is very gentle making it suitable for people with acute injuries, for babies and the elderly.

Ongoing Professional Development
I am very interested in broadening my skills and incorporating different treatment modalities into my practice so that I have the widest scope of tools available to provide my clients with effective treatments.

I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity for continuous learning and discovery that working with the human body provides, including investigation and study of the myriad treatment modalities available to therapists.   In addition to Swedish massage therapy I am a certified reflexologist and hot stone therapist and have training in Myofascial Release, Suikodo, and Acupressure.  I recently completed a course in Thai Massage and continue to take courses to further my study in craniosacral therapy.

Professional Memberships
College of Massage Therapy of Ontario (CMTO)

The Ontario Massage Therapists Association (OMTA)