Chair Massage

With Kathryn Anderson, CCMP (Certified Chair Massage Provider), Elder Care Specialist; Reiki Level II 

Chair Massage is a form of bodywork that offers a unique alternative to full body table massage. Designed specifically for relaxation and de-stressing, chair massage sessions have a different focus from those done by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs), who are trained extensively to deal with medical conditions using specific therapeutic techniques.

Many people who cannot tolerate deep tissue techniques find chair massage to be soothing and enjoyable. Others who have mobility issues may find it difficult to get on and off a massage table, and not everyone can feel comfortable with being unclothed while receiving massage. In these instances Chair Massage can provide access to those who might otherwise not consider receiving massage.

Chair massage sessions can be tailored to fit busy schedules – appointments range from sessions as brief as 20 minutes to a full hour. The ergonomically-designed professional chair is fully adjustable and is appropriately customized for each client. Between sessions the chair is fully sanitized using a gentle yet effective solution free of chemicals and lightly infused with essential oils. The chair supports body weight up to 600 lbs, though it weighs only 20lbs to transport and readily portable for on-site appointments outside the clinic.

A Chair Massage session involves a combination of Shiatsu and Acupressure techniques and typically covers the area from the neck to the lower back and hips, including arms and hands. Your Massage Provider will discuss your individual health condition and care needs prior to each session. This allows each client to tailor their session to address their specific areas of concern and to have the most comfortable and beneficial session that feels right for them. Every single body is different!

Unique Features and Benefits of Chair Massage:

• For those new to massage, seated chair massage can feel more comfortable to experience.
  
• Individuals remain fully clothed and sit in an upright position to receive the gentle massage.
  
• By its design, the massage chair supports the vulnerable parts of a person: their face, chest and abdomen. People are amazed at how comfortable and supported they feel when they are in the chair.
  
• The ability to remain fully clothed and have the massage in open/public spaces greatly reinforces feelings of personal comfort and security.
  
• No oils, lotions are scents are used. If you wish, your Provider has aromatherapy available for inhalation before your session to help relax and prepare your body to receive a healing treatment. This is available on request. 
  
• Before each visit, the chair is fully disinfected and a soft, sanitary face-rest cover is put in place.
  
• Chair Massage is suitable for a variety of ages and mobility levels.
  
• By its portable nature, Chair Massage enables Providers to bring massage to the entire public, not just those who attend the clinic.
  
• The same Provider works with an individual for all their sessions, enabling in-depth, consistent care and warm, enjoyable rapport.
  
• There is a chronic need for healthy, appropriate touch in our society. Chair Massage Providers have the unique opportunity to connect their clients with a path of integrating healing touch into their lives.

How to Prepare for your session:

Before your session, it is recommended that you hydrate yourself well throughout the day. Massage increases circulation and is naturally dehydrating due to increased blood flow. Additionally, metabolic waste is moved from the muscles throughout your session. Being well hydrated prior to and after your session will flush metabolic toxins and ensure that you minimize the potential to experience headache or body aches after your appointment.

Wear comfortable clothing that covers your back and shoulders. Tops can be short or long sleeved, or sleeveless. Thin-strapped tops and tank tops are not recommended. Choose clothing that is loose at the waist. Wear something that will keep you comfortably warm in the chair. Your body temperature will naturally drop as you relax – the same thing that happens when you sleep, rest or meditate. This occurs because your body operates from the parasympathetic side of your nervous system when the body is at rest. This is the time when digestion, detoxification and elimination occur. This is also when the body can heal and repair itself.

Expect to remove your eye glasses, jewellery (rings, watches, large earrings) and any hearing aids to allow your face to rest comfortably in the face cradle, and to permit the Provider access to massaging your arms, hands and wrists.

Please tie long hair up/into a ponytail. Your Provider has Goodie Ouchless™ hair ties if needed.

What to Expect at your session:

On your initial visit you will be asked to complete a brief intake form. Your Provider will make note of any acute or chronic conditions which may impact your massage session and will take time to discuss these with you. Please allow an extra 10 minutes with your Provider in addition to the length of your massage on your first appointment. There is no additional cost for this assessment. 

Ongoing, your Provider will conduct a brief, verbal health assessment before each session. You will be asked about any accidents, falls or injuries sustained in the 6 weeks prior to every appointment. At that time you can also let your Provider know if there are particular areas or specific conditions that require attention that day.

Please see the Your Visit page http://www.alchemyelixir.com/wellness_centre_yourvisit.php for general guidelines and further information about your Visit to our centre.

How long will it take before I notice a difference?

The benefits of chair massage will be felt immediately. One session can:

• Target specific pain by reducing muscle tension and increasing circulation to help decrease pressure and discomfort;
• Lower stress, tension and anxiety to facilitate better sleep which can reduce inflammation and chronic pain, enhance mental clarity, energy levels and endurance;
• Boost the central nervous system to help it produce the “feel good” hormones known as endorphins, while reducing the “stress” hormone cortisol.

Research shows that the benefits of massage are cumulative. Positive impacts on physical and emotional well-being will carry through between regular sessions because our body stores “massage memory” at the cellular level. This is particularly important as we age and our bodies naturally slow down. 

To experience continuous wellness benefits and keep your Provider current and responsive to your individual needs, it is recommended to schedule a 20 or 30 minute session weekly (with two weeks the maximum break to achieve optimum benefit). This permits a preventative and proactive approach for an enjoyable session of relaxation, rather than always responding to a health crisis where the body is in pain and seeking relief.

RATES: (Chair massage or Reiki, all rates inclusive of HST)

Single sessions: 
1 hour $65
45 mins. $50
30 mins. $35
20 mins. $25

Health Investment Punchcards (pre-paid sessions) = SAVINGS + FREE MINS!

3 Sessions
3 x 30 mins. sessions $99 ($33/session)
3 x 20 mins. sessions $70 ($23/session)

8 Sessions
8 x 30 mins. sessions $240 ($30/session)
8 x 20 mins. sessions $160 ($20/session)

10 Sessions
10 x 30 mins. sessions $300 ($30/session + bonus 10 mins. free on 10th session)
10 x 20 mins. sessions $200 ($20/session + bonus 5 mins. free on 10th session)

You may choose either Chair Massage, or Reiki, or a combination of both when redeeming Punchcard sessions (i.e.) 6 massage sessions, 2 Reiki sessions on an 8 session card). Simply indicate which treatment you would like at the time of booking.

Combination Services
You may also book a combination appointment for Chair Massage plus Reiki.

30 mins. Chair Massage + 30 mins. Reiki $65
20 mins. Chair Massage + 20 mins. Reiki $50

First time client specials: 30 min session for $15 (reg. $35)
First time client specials: 20 min session for $10 (reg. 25)

Payments are accepted by cash or cheque. 
To book an appointment: call Kathryn Anderson at 778-889-5929 
or email kath@mypeacefulwellness.com 

Parking: If you are arriving by car and would like information regarding parking, please call the clinic or email Kathryn at kath@mypeacefulwellness.com  to receive a helpful quick reference sheet for where to find the closest and most affordable parking! 

To learn more: visit www.mypeacefulwellness.com