Bernadette Sabourin RMT
Which massage should I book?
Bernie is trained in a number of therapies to help you recover from pain, improve mobility or simply to help you unwind from a stressful week. Learn about the different types of massage offerings here to make the right choice for your next appointment.
Our
Services
Relaxation Massage
Based on years of experience in a spa setting, Bernie provides a beautiful nervous system reset with a fabulous full body relaxation massage. Calm your nerves and enjoy a quiet serene space while your therapist carries you away with a soothing Swedish massage. Flowing techniques both gentle and firm are combined with heat and guided breathing for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Acupuncture & Massage
Research has shown that both acupuncture and massage individually are excellent for the reduction of pain and muscle spasm. A combination of the two is a very powerful form of treatment. Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice that involves the use of very thin, sterile, single-use needles to relieve specific symptoms associated with mental and physical imbalances in the body. The specific acupuncture points that run along meridian lines are thought to have electrical properties, which stimulate the central nervous system to release neurochemicals into muscle, spinal cord and the brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes produced by acupuncture stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and thus promote physical and emotional well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, it is believed that Qi (the universal life force energy) flows throughout our bodies in channels called meridians. The meridians serve to connect the interior organs of the body with the exterior points on the skin. Pain, dysfunction and illness are believed to be caused by stagnant, imbalanced or blocked Qi. By using acupuncture needles, we stimulate the acupuncture points to create change in the tissues and the body system as a whole. Such stimulation helps to restore the balance and normal flow of the body’s Qi energy, so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended. Acupuncture allows the body to repair itself and restore balance for good health. For Western minds, acupuncture stimulates the neural network of the body and promotes the secretion of endorphins in the brain, which are the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation and nerve conduction, promote tissue healing, reduce stress and is effective for managing chronic pain issues. Musculoskeletal issues respond well to basic local acupuncture with supporting distal points. A complete assessment is not necessary for issues such as tendonitis, neck, back or shoulder pain, knee or ankle issues
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is a gentle and nurturing way to alleviate the discomfort associated with pregnancy. This treatment is provided in a comfortably bolstered side-lying position. Take tension off your low back, hips, shoulder and neck. Reduce swelling, improve sleep and better prepare for labor and birth. Promotes health and well-being for you and your baby.
Therapeutic Massage
For when you are needing deeper work to address injury, pain, stubborn trigger points and adhesions that limit mobility. Manual massage therapy combined with heat, dry cupping, IASTM tools and vibrational release are used for addressing deeper work and to relieve the pain and dysfunction of problem areas. Your therapist is educated in the proper functioning of your muscular system and will address hypertonic areas which may be different from where you feel pain. Get the relief you need by addressing the real culprits such as the hip flexors, shoulder internal rotators and anterior neck muscles to improve posture and chronic pain holding patterns.
Elemental Acupuncture
INITAL CONSULTATION REQUIRED - Please book INITIAL ASSESSEMENT APPOINTMENT
Appointment includes: Initial assessment, massage & acupuncture
This appointment includes an in-depth health assessment that provides the necessary information for creating your personalized acupuncture & massage treatment plan. This form of treatment is used to address more complicated systemic health issues. Known as
5 Element Acupuncture, this assessment takes into account wide ranging symptoms and has been shown to be most effective in treating chronic conditions. It can prove beneficial for almost anyone, particularly those suffering with anxiety, digestive problems, IBS, womyn's health issues, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, TMJ dysfunction, mental and emotional imbalances, as well as many other concerns.
Please get in touch if you are uncertain as to whether your condition requires you to book a full TCM assessment.
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Subsequent appointments can be 60 mins (30 mins massage/30 mins acupuncture) or
90 mins (60 mins massage/30 mins acupuncture)
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage Therapy involves the use of heated Basalt Volcanic Stones. This treatment is relaxing, calming and soothing for you nervous system, leaving you totally re-balanced and re-energized. The healing power of heat is combined with traditional massage techniques. Tension melts away as the warm stones are used over the entire body, radiating deep heat into tight muscles and bringing your body and mind into a state of bliss.
What is cupping therapy ?
Massage Cupping is the use of plastic cups and a hand-held vacuum pump to create a negative pressure on the skin’s surface. This separates the layers of tissue, drawing in nutrient-rich blood to provide healing to the targeted tissue. The cups may be left on one area for a time period, usually 10-20 mins, to facilitate joint mobilization and soft tissue release or they may be used actively by dragging along the skin for a myo-facial release. Suction reaches deep into soft tissue, attachments and organs. Cellular debris washes away as fresh blood and lymph flow in. The outcome is big time pain reduction and the activation of healing chemicals from within for tissue repair.
What is the discoloration that occurs with some of the treatments?
The marks that are commonly left from Massage Cupping are an indication of the release of stagnation from the treatment area. A cupping mark is thought to be caused by the release of dead static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogens and toxins to the surface of the skin. Cupping marks are not painful and can range in intensity from no mark at all to a dark purple. Marks usually last from 1-8 days but can remain for approximately 2 weeks.
What are the therapeutic effects of Massage Cupping?
Pain Relief
Increase Range of Motion
Fascial tissue stretch
Spinal Decompression
Loosen stubborn Adhesions
Break up scar tissue
Release Deep Tissue Issues
Move Stagnation
Stimulate Blood Flow
Sedate the Nervous System
Treat hypertonic muscle
Treat muscle and joint stiffness
Strengthens the immune system
Promoting lymphatic fluid flow
Can be used on the abdomen for digestive issues
Can be used on the chest to improve respiratory issues
Small special types of cups can be used actively on the face to reduce wrinkles and improve skin appearance
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle touch therapy based in Osteopathic principles. Slow and steady techniques release tension and blockages deep in the body by promoting the movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Releasing these blockages can help relieve pain, realign the body’s structure, balance the autonomic nervous system, and help other organ systems function better. Sessions are deeply relaxing with most people reporting a profound sense of well-being after session. Craniosacral therapy has been found to help many conditions including headaches/migraines, TMJ dysfunction, nervous system disorders, anxiety, insomnia, physical and emotional trauma, chronic neck pain, depression and fibromyalgia.
***Clothing remains on, please dress in comfortable attire i.e. sweatpants, joggers, gym shorts and loose top.***