F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy. For prices, booking, cancellation policy and location, please see Our Clinic.

Massage therapy is beneficial for muscle, ligament and soft tissue health.

Physical Benefits of
Massage & Acupuncture

Pain relief
Relieves stress and aids relaxation
Decreases muscled tension and stiffness
Promotes faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments
Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
Speeds healing after surgery or injuries; reduces pain and swelling; lessens formation of excessive scar tissue
Promotes deeper and easier breathing; overall wellness and revitalization is enhanced when your body tissues receive adequate oxygen
Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids; strengthens the immune system
Improves posture

Mental Benefits

Cultivates a relaxed state of mental alertness
Relieves mental stress
Encourages your awareness and appreciation of the mind-body connection

Emotional Benefits

Decrease anxiety
Increase your overall sense of well-being
Empower yourself by receiving education, resources and self-care tips from your massage therapist

How soon will I see results?

Tangible results are usually seen early in treatment. Some people experience incredible pain relief and improved quality of life after only one treatment, but commonly it is reported that after three or four treatments, clients are enjoying decreased physical pain and restriction, substantial reductions in stress symptoms and overall improved function. Acupuncture generally produces results sooner in acute cases than in chronic conditions, but in most cases we can start to see the body responding after the first treatment.

Many factors determine how quickly you will see results, including the severity of your injury or condition, your overall health upon beginning treatment and compliance with the self-care programs we suggest to you.

What should I expect afterwards?

After a massage therapy session, most people feel very relaxed. If deep tissue work was done, there may be some tenderness that lasts a day or two. We will advise you of homecare that will help to decrease any discomfort.

After an acupuncture treatment, an overall sense of well being may be felt, followed by a restful sleep that evening.

Since toxins are released during massage or acupuncture, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your treatment.

Do I need to get undressed for my treatment?

For techniques that require the application of oil or lotion, direct skin contact is ideal. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level, and you may choose to wear underwear or not. While you are getting undressed and on the table I will leave the room to give you privacy. I will then knock before I re-enter the room. I undrape only the area being worked on – your modesty is maintained throughout your treatment.
It is also possible to do a full and thorough session with clothing on, if you prefer.

Does my extended healthcare insurance cover your treatments?

The majority of extended healthcare plans cover registered massage therapy and acupuncture treatments. Your insurance policy will explain how much coverage you have. The coverage amounts are usually located under headings titled, "Paramedical" or "Supplementary benefits." Policies typically cover a percentage of the cost up to a dollar amount (eg. 80% coverage up to a total of $500 per calendar year).

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. Although many physicians refer patients for massage therapy and acupuncture treatments, RMTs and RAcs are primary health care providers who assess and treat people independently. However, some insurance plans do require a referral, so you will need to check your policy to see if you need one in order to be reimbursed for your treatments.

Do I need to have something wrong to get a massage or acupuncture treatment?

No, you do not need to have an injury or health condition to see a massage or acupuncture therapist. Although we are trained to treat many conditions, both massage and acupuncture are very beneficial for overall wellbeing and stress reduction.

Do I Need to Tip?

No, you do not need to tip your therapist, as we are health care professionals and are not in the hospitality industry.

Why Do Massage Therapists Charge GST?

In Canada, in order for a health profession to be exempt from charging GST (the federal Goods & Services Tax), the profession must be regulated in a minimum of five (5) provinces. Massage Therapists are currently a regulated health profession in three (3) provinces: Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia. Legislation is in progress at various stages in several other provinces.

There is a push right now to standardize massage therapy training across Canada and to regulate more provinces. In the meantime, Massage Therapists are a registered business and in British Columbia, are required to have a GST number and charge GST.

Acupuncturists do not charge GST.

What are the education requirements of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)?

Achievement of a massage therapy diploma in BC requires 3,000 hours of training at an accredited college.

The curriculum includes comprehensive studies in health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and neurology. Clinical sciences include the topics of manual skills, orthopedics, remedial exercise, hydrotherapy and patient education. A diverse range of manual therapy techniques are taught and practiced with a wide range of clientele through student clinics within the colleges and in the community outreach programs. The management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress are also studied extensively, as are the methods of treatment available.

Upon achieving a massage therapy diploma, BC graduates must successfully complete a rigorous series of Provincial Board Exams in order to qualify as a Registered Massage Therapist. The board exams are administered by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) which is the regulatory body for all RMTs in BC.

The CMTBC ensures that the public receives safe and ethical care by establishing and enforcing standards of education, qualifications and the quality of practice for all RMTs under the BC Health Professions Act.

As well, in order to stay licensed in BC, RMTs are required to continually update their skills by achieving biennial education credits at postgraduate courses approved by the CMTBC. This ensures that our clients are receiving the very best care possible.

What are the education requirements of a registered acupuncturist (RAc)?

A registered acupuncturist license is obtained after passing the licensing exam for B.C. by the CTCMA (which is the governing body for Traditional Chinese Medicine). To enter a TCM program you must have two years of prerequisite post secondary education. After three years the student would be able to apply to write the registered acupuncture exam. Most TCM programs involve five years of studies.

How does the acupuncture weight loss and body reshaping program work?

Info Coming Soon

Where Can I Find More Information?

We recommend the following websites: