Massage Therapy Massage Therapy is one of the oldest forms of medicine from China. It is based on the idea that muscle tension and improper alignment may cause a/or contribute to physical, mental and internal imbalances. The techniques are focused on reducing tension within the body and improving the structure to facilitate the free flow of blood and energy. There are many styles of massage therapy practiced today. Below we have highlighted some of the more popular forms that are practiced in our clinic. Swedish Massage Therapy Swedish Massage Therapy is a generic term used to indicate a broad range of "western" massage techniques and styles. In general, the aim of massage therapy is to ease stress and muscular tension and improve the functioning of the body. Within massage therapy there are a range of styles and techniques which either focus on particular areas of the body a/or influence various levels of the body (such as deep tissue massage, tendo-muscular massage, scalp massage, etc.). While there are therapists who specialize in certain styles, most massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques and will use what is appropriate for your specific set of symptoms.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is one of many forms of massage that come from the "east" and are based in varying degrees on the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Shiatsu falls under the general category of "acupressure" which simply means to stimulate the acupuncture points of the body by using your hands, thumbs a/or other parts of your body. Shiatsu is unique, however, in a couple ways. First, it has a refined system of abdominal diagnosis which, along with other information, is used to find and correct imbalances in the body (the abdominal techniques are somewhat similar to those used in Japanese acupuncture). Second, as opposed to simple acupressure, Shiatsu utilizes a variety of stretches and more general massage techniques which work in conjunction with the stimulation of the acupuncture points.

Tuina

Tuina is essentially the Chinese version of Western Massage Therapy. It utilizes the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced, researched and improved upon over many years in China. Many acupuncturists in both the west and the east utilize Tuina (with or without acupuncture) to facilitate the removal of physical blockages caused by tension a/or alignment problems.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a microsystem (or representation) therapy similar in theory to that of auricular acupuncture. The theory behind reflexology states that the entire body is represented in the hands and feet and that you may treat a condition anywhere in the body by treating its corresponding area on the hand or foot. In other words, you may treat a stomach condition by treating the "stomach" area on the hand or foot. Reflexology may be used as a primary mode of treatment but it is often added as an adjunctive therapy to bodywork or acupuncture treatments.

Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario provide a variety of health care services, such as Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage. The massage therapy are accepted by most insurance companies.