Many people with a preference for a firmer pressure massage often ask for a deep tissue massage. What exactly is a deep tissue treatment? It can be similar to the relaxing Swedish massage technique, but with firmer slow kneading strokes and a different goal for treatment. This approach allows the RMT to target deeper layers of muscle…
We know that a massage therapy leaves us with a sense of calm and relief but how much do you know about what goes on in the body- behind the scenes? The science of massage is something that is being researched more and more. Along with each physical change that you may notice there is…
It has been engrained in many of us to head to the closest walk-in when things aren’t feeling quite as they should. What is not yet as conventional is the option to see a Naturopathic Doctor. While a Medical Doctor tends to administer medicines in an effort to cure what ails you (ie. to treat your…
What are the benefits of receiving therapeutic massage treatments? Massage can help manage stress, reduce pain and increase range of motion and mobility. The emotional improvements can often be just as important as the physical benefits. These emotional benefits include but are not limited to: Decreased anxiety Enhanced sleep quality Greater energy Improved concentration. Increased circulation Reduced fatigue…
Sleep is one of the most important things a body needs. Sleeping poorly can affect your mood and general health. This is one of the easiest things to change to improve your health and reduce pain. These changes can be anything from your sleeping position, to your nighttime snacks.
Vancouver Naturopath Article of the Week There’s the produce section and then there is the organic produce section. They include many of the same fruits and vegetables, so which section do you buy from? While the movement to exclude certain pesticides has started across the board (even in farms that are not certified organic) there are…
The topic of migraine headaches is vast. Anyone who suffers from migraines on a regular basis – knows they cannot be summed up in sentences and words. Triggers and underlying causes can be many: hormonal and cyclical shifts; caffeine and alcohol; strong perfumes and odors; foods like baked yeast, strong cheeses, and nuts; changes in…
So, the sun is out and we want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The warmth and the bright blue sky are what we have been waiting for but we often forget is how strong the sun becomes on days like this. We also forget to protect ourselves adequately from the harmful rays…
Massage therapy treatment plans differ from person to person depending on many factors such as pain level, schedules, and budget. All of these factors have to be taken into consideration to create a treatment plan that feels effective. Tips for home care can be invaluable when we can’t schedule massage therapy as often as we…
Reprinted from whymassagetherapy.com, click link to view original source September 1, 2009 by whymassagetherapy “Without fail this is one of the most common questions I receive as a massage therapist. The truth is, though, how often you should get a massage treatment is very individual and doesn’t follow a set formula. As a massage therapist,…
Adrenal fatigue, also known as non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, sub-clinical hypoadrenia, neurasthenia, adrenal neurasthenia, and adrenal apathy, is a syndrome (a collection of signs and symptoms) that results when the functioning of the adrenal glands perform below the necessary level. Adrenal fatigue is most commonly associated with stress, but can also emerge during or after chronic infections,…
So, there is an issue at hand, you’re experiencing discomfort. Do you know what you were doing when it started? How is it aggravated or triggered? The mechanics and the storyline help a massage therapist piece the puzzle together to establish the most effective treatment plan. While a treatment does have to allow the therapist to listen to body…
Maybe you’ve got painful ‘knots’ in your back and shoulders or a sore lower lumbar. Or perhaps sore hamstrings or calves from a big walk or run. And of course everyone can feel an achy tightness in the arches of their feet after a long day at work. All this and there’s no one around…
Headaches can be triggered by any number of things. Massage therapy has shown very promising results in the relief and treatment of tension headaches. Of the dozens and dozens of muscles in the head and neck, any number of them can be the source of your headache pain. Getting rid of this pain with massage…
Acupuncture is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the belief that living beings have energy, known as qi (pronounced “chi”), which circulates through meridians in the body, each correlating to a different organ system. If this energy flow becomes imbalanced or impeded, symptoms will emerge. In order to reestablish the flow of qi, practitioners apply…
This week we have a feature post, written by one of our very own Vancouver RMTs Char Hunter. Char has some wonderfully helpful tips (Fix Tips) on her website, and we are sharing one with you today. It is called the Spinal Roll which specially targets and provides relief to the Upper Back, Shoulders, and…
Fascia is an all-encompassing layer of connective tissue in the body. More and more health care professionals are quickly learning that it is not such a simple part of our bodies, and should not be overlooked – it is almost always plays a role in ensuring proper function. Fascia surrounds all of our muscles, our organs,…
Have you ever stepped foot in a beautiful grove of tall trees, and noticed a sense of calm? You wouldn’t be wrong. Scientific studies have proven that even as little as 20 minutes in a forest is enough to noticeably reduce both cortisol levels, and stress and anxiety inducing excitatory neurotransmitters levels.
As the weather gets a bit grey, so can our health. They do call it a “cold and flu season” after all. But we can’t let that get in the way so we do all that we can to keep our bodies happy and healthy. To avoid getting sick, you don’t have to lock yourself…
Are you a commuter? Chances are you’ve thought of and tried all kinds of things to help pass the time – music, video, podcasts, books – but, how about mindfulness? Sure the commute is a great time to feed the Netflix binge watching urge but it is also a good time to check in with…