Services:

For your first visit, please arrive 10 minutes early, as you will have to fill out a confidential personal history form and be assessed by your Therapist before your treatment begins.

The massage therapist, usually uses massage lotion or massage oil during the treatment. You may undress to your comfort level. You do not need to wear anything special as you will be covered with a sheet and blanket. The therapist will only uncover the part of your body that they are working on and then recover that area before moving on to the next area.

When a full body massage is given, it usually starts on the back, and then moves down to the legs. Then you will be asked to turn around and lie face up. Then the front of the legs, arms, abdomen(optional) and neck are massaged. A session usually lasts for 60-90 minutes.

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissue and joints of the body by hands-on manipulation. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions or as part of a maintenance program.

Most registered massage therapists base their treatments on Traditional Swedish Massage which is a smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension.

Massage Therapy is recommended for a variety of conditions including: chronic stress/tension relief, pain relief, improved circulation, improved joint mobility, fibromyalgia, pregnancy, headaches, back and neck pain, sciatica, strains & sprains, muscle spasms, athletic injuries, arthritis, constipation, as well as general relaxation.

Registered therapists are required to complete a minimum of 2200 hours of training and must complete licensing by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Massage Therapy is covered under the Regulated Health Professionals Act and the Massage Therapy Act of Ontario.

Typically Massage Therapists use Swedish Massage as the basis for their treatments but not exclusively. Some of the techniques that our therapists might use are:

• Effleurage: This consists of long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. When done on the limbs, all strokes are toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. It is done with the whole hand or the thumb pads. Effleurage is designed to acquaint the therapist with his or her subject's body and vice versa.
• Petrissage: It generally involves kneading and compression motions, rolling, squeezing, or pressing the muscles to enhance deeper circulation. Petrissage attempts to increase circulation while clearing out toxins from muscles.
• Friction: This is the most penetrating of the strokes, and consists of deep circular or transverse movements made with the thumb pads or fingertips. The therapist applies deep, circular movement near joints and other bony areas (such as the sides of the spine). Friction breaks down adhesions, or scar tissue that result when muscle fibers bind together during the healing process, thus contributing to more flexible muscles and joints.
• Tapotement: This consists of a series of briskly applied percussive movements, using the hands alternately to strike or tap the muscles for an invigorating effect. There are many variations on this stroke. It may be applied with the edge of the hand, with the tips of the fingers, or with a closed fist. Tapotement attempts to release tension and cramping from muscles in spasm.
• Vibration or Shaking: As is evident by the term, fine and quick vibrating or shaking movements are used in this to boost circulation and increase the power of the muscles to contact.
• Trigger Point Therapy: is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy is also called myofascial trigger point therapy. Trigger points are areas of tenderness in a muscle. There are two basic types of trigger points: active and latent. Active trigger points cause muscular pain and will refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied. Latent trigger points only exhibit pain when compressed, they do not refer pain to other areas of the body. Trigger points are very common. They are also referred to as muscle knots.

Hydrotherapy is also incorporated into most treatments. We use, parafim wax baths, ice packs or ice massage and thermaphores.

Pronounced "Ray-Key", this ancient Tibetan therapy is practiced through a series of hand sweeps and a light touch. By releasing blocked energy caused by illness, stress, or injury, Reiki strenghens the body by promoting positive energy healing responses.

By harnessing the therapeutic properties of the essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, a variety of physical and psychological complaints can be relieved. Essential oils can be selected according to their specific healing properties and applied in a variety of ways such as in a bath or by massage.

A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears which correspond to every part, gland, and organ in the body. Through application of pressure on those reflexes, Reflexology improves circulation, relaxes tension, and helps to normalize body conditions naturally.

Hot stone massage can be traced back over 3,000 years ago in India and China. You can achieve a dreamlike state wile warm smooth lava stones are massaged and placed along the body. The purifying and relaxation effects of this technique will leave your muscles reenergized and free of tension.

Thai Yoga Massage- also known as Passive Yoga is a form of massage which uses a lot of stretching. It is practiced on a mat on the floor. Thai massage opens energy lines and mobilizes the joints. The treatment always begins at the feet and ends at the head allowing the energy to flow freely and the body to heal itself.

Receiving massage throughout your pregnancy can be very beneficial. It can relieve morning sickness, low back pain, swelling in the ankles, and constipation. As well it can increase circulation and hasten post partum recovery. We use special shaped pillows to allow you to lie comfortably.

Our highly trained therapists can help to induce labour naturally when you are overdue with gentle massage techniques. We also offer Labour Support where a therapist would come to your home or the hospital to massage you as a means of pain management. The therapist would be on call for you 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your due date. This of course has to be arranged before hand.

We offer two types of yoga classes at Seraphic. Hatha yoga develops strength and flexibility. It is a gentle asana practice that emphasizes stability and breathing during poses to explore mobility of the spine. Vinyasa Flow is a sequence of movements synchronized with the breath. It is a rejuvenating class that develops strength and stamina as it flows through sun salutations and standing poses.

Lympathic Drainage is a type of massage that specifically affects the lymphatic system of the body. This system is responsible for the return of fluid in the body back to the lymph nodes where it is filtered by the immune system. Post surgery patients and those with swelling benefit greatly from this type of treatment.