Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very gentle technique that has been proven to assist with lymph flow and drainage of various tissues and lymph pathways in the body. The main goal is to encourage better lymph flow and clearance in order to prevent stagnation and support immune response via the lymphatic system.

No oil is used in this type of massage and the pressure is very light (Note: this is different from Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, which is a different style of treatment). The skin is alternatingly stretched and released, creating a pump-like effect that encourages lymph flow and clearance.

The rhythmic nature of movements also encourages relaxation through a calming effect on the nervous system and can have a generally pain-reducing effect.

MLD is often used for various types of swelling including lymphedema, a condition of lymphatic dysfunction for which CDT (combined decongestive therapy) – a combination of MLD and bandaging – is the golden standard. MLD is often used for many types of post-surgical swelling (top surgery, mastectomies, plastic surgeries, hip and knee replacements, and more) as well as swelling from acute injuries such as sprains and strains.

It can be helpful for a variety of conditions including anxiety, bloating, acne, long COVID, osteoarthritis, whiplash, concussion syndromes, stress migraines, contusions/bruising and more. A pre-screening is required prior to your first MLD session to assess for any contraindications to this treatment.

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy. It uses the burning of mugwort (or moxa) near the skin’s surface to warm acupuncture points and control the flow of qi and blood through the body. Moxa can come in many grades, colors and forms. I love using a variety of application methods such as Korean cone moxa and Japanese moxa.

This beautiful therapy is amazing for muscle soreness and pain, invigorating the uterus for fertility concerns, menstrual pain, cold conditions etc.

Cupping therapy involves the creation of vacuum in a cup to allow for the suction of the skin, muscle and fascia. It is used to increase blood flow in the body and to relieve issues related to chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used to draw blood or expel pathogens from the body to treat respiratory or immune issues such as coughs, colds and fevers.

Cupping may leave marks that range from light red to dark purple and are a result of the suction created in the cup. They are believed to encourage blood flow to the area and allow the body to heal the area. They usually disappear between 3- 5 days depending on the body type.

There are many types of cupping therapy such as fire cupping, slide cupping, suction cupping, dry and wet techniques etc. Cups can be made from several materials including glass, silicone, bamboo, plastic etc. Each cup is disinfected or sterilized after each use to ensure the patient’s safety.

Gua sha a scraping technique in which a smooth-edged tool (often made of bone, stone, metal etc.) is pressed against the skin and stroked on a lubricated area of the body until a rash is formed. In Chinese, “Gua” means scraping and “Sha” means red. So, we scrape till the area is red!

This technique is used for a similar purpose as cupping techniques i.e., to increase blood flow, relieve issues related to chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain, and expel pathogens from the body to treat respiratory or immune issues such as coughs, colds and fevers. Gua sha tools are also disinfected and sanitized after each use.

Tuina and Shiatsu are forms of body manipulation or massage that uses TCM theories to treat issues. Like acupuncture, they use acupuncture points to stimulate certain areas of the body. Some common techniques include gliding, kneading, rolling, pressing, pulling, chopping and vibrating. Body manipulation promotes blood circulation, invigorates qi and treats a variety of musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, respiratory concerns and even reproductive system disorders.

Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture causes micro-traumas in the skin. The body responds by sending fibroblasts (cells that create collagen and elastin) to the area to heal and rebuild the collagen matrix of the skin. In doing so, it also delivers nutrients, oxygen, qi (energy) and fresh blood to the area and restores plumpness, brightness and luster to the texture and colour of the skin.

A few positive benefits of receiving cosmetic acupuncture include:

• softer, firmer, and more elastic skin through the rebuilding of collagen and elastin matrix
• the reduction or even the elimination of fine lines and wrinkles
• the reduction of appearance of deeper wrinkles
• evening out of skin complexion via the subtle fading of acne scars, rosacea, age spots and broken capillaries
• reduction of water retention in the face and under the eyes
• tightening of jowls
• overall improvement in the vibrancy of your complexion

Additional health benefits enjoyed because of this wholistic approach are:

• improved digestion
• increased energy
• better quality of sleep
• decreased emotional distress i.e., depression and anxiety