Massage that Supports your Yoga Practice

Yoga and Acupuncture are as common as the beaches and trees in Victoria and it is so encouraging to see people taking an interest in their physical as well as energetic health. Chinese Medicine found its roots in traditional Indian Medicine, so it is no surprise that they both view the body as a complex physical and energetic system that depends upon the physical blood vessels to circulate nutrients as well as the energetic channels to circulate universal energy(chi or prana).

The physical practice of yoga originated as a way to open the energy channels in the body to encourage flow to prepare the body, mind and spirit for periods of meditation. This makes sense since balancing the body and stretching out any kinks in the system makes maintaining a sitting posture for an extended period much more comfortable. However many western yogis and yoginis use the asanas of yoga as a physical exercise and form of meditation in and of itself, so rather than preparing for meditation, we open our channels to encourage balance and flow in our everyday lives.

While acupuncture treatments also aim to clear blockages in the human energy system, it allows the body to be at rest while the needles  are placed along the energy lines and in powerful energy centers to promote optimal health and well-being.

Shiatsu  takes note from both Yoga and TCM. When giving a treatment I stretch your joints and limbs for you, opening and relaxing your muscles and channels. Once they are open and ready to receive massage I work along the meridian lines with focused pressure to energize or soothe blocked up or low flow areas. Shiatsu is much like a deep tissue massage and brings relief to sports injuries or chronic tension. Alternatively it can be given in a relaxing way. I often have clients fall asleep (and when it’s really good they snore and drool). Most commonly however, people find themselves in a meditative state and leave the treatment in a relaxed and positive frame of mind.

Shiatsu is quickly gaining recognition in the bodywork realm and I encourage everyone to try it. Please call my self at 250-777-4240 or email: nadine.hawryluk@gmail.com to find out more and schedule an appointment.