Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Taoist philosophy, which has been refined of the past 5000 years to presently integrate elements of contemporary western biomedical knowledge. As a system of medicine, TCM employs a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, to treat a diversity of ailments.

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi (loosely translated as energy) that in TCM is considered essential to health. When the body is healthy, Qi flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a network of pathways or channels throughout the entire body. When the balance or flow of Qi is deficient or obstructed it may be diseased or susceptible to illness. Based on the foundation of yin/yang, acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness. Acupuncture uses the five elements and eight principles to diagnose and treat imbalances in the meridians and internal organs. In western medicine, the yin/yang balance that acupuncture and other TCM modalities achieve is known as homeostasis.


This therapy is used on the back and neck to release tension, break up fascial adhesions, and promote blood flow to congested areas of muscles. The micro-trauma creates a reddish complexion on the skin that will fade within 3-10 days. The deeper the reddish complexion, the more severe the congestion. This technique can be used for chronic or acute conditions in combinations with other modalities.

From both the Chinese and Ayurvedic healing systems, this modality involves applying specific pressure to certain points on the meridians of the body to relieve pain and stagnation in the body or organs.

This therapy is best described as a “reverse massage”. Instead of the tissues being compressed, the pressure created by suction of the glass or silicon cups lifts them. The pressure can be created by a pump or suction or more traditionally by way of fire cupping, wherein a glass cup is heated with a flame to create a pressure change and induce a suction. Once placed on your body, these cups can be moved or left in place. Fascial adhesions and congestion are gently removed as the practitioner works with the cups to clear stagnation and move qi and blood.

TCM looks at food from an energetic perspective, such as warming/cooling or congesting/clearing. This allows individualized diet recommendations based on the specific concerns that present themselves at the time of the appointment. Recommendations include what foods to eat, preparation methods, mindful eating practices, and various teas that can help benefit specific needs.

This is a form of therapeutic massage developed in Asia, which translates as “pushing grasping”. These techniques are gentle and rhythmic in nature as the practitioner uses different motions and techniques with their hands, forearms, and elbows to stimulate blood flow and energy throughout the body to encourage healing.

Moxibustion (moxa) is a form of heat therapy that consists of burning the dried leaf of the mugwort plant on or above specific acupuncture points. It warms areas of the body with the intention of stimulating circulation and providing tonification. The scent of moxa is very distinct and many people find it therapeutic and relaxing.

This is a system designed to firm, lift, tighten and shape the skin on the face and body. This system, designed by Illya Borrenson R. Ac, targets cellulite by lifting, firming, and plumping the skin, as well as stimulating hair growth.

Community Acupuncture offers acupuncture in a setting where multiple patients receive treatments at the same time. Treatments take place while a patient relaxes in a comfy chair. Community treatments are offered on a sliding scale price spectrum to increase access and financial sustainability. Acupuncture points on the scalp and below the elbows and knees are used to treat the entire body.

I teach yoga because I believe in the power of movement, breath and intention to heal. I have personally witnessed the capacity of yoga to transform pain. Yoga is a gateway into the depth of one’s own body wisdom, a channel into the hearts truth and a guide into the minds peaceful nature. This unifying modality has the capacity to awaken untapped potential. I am continually compelled, from the depth of my spirit, to share this beautiful gift with others.

What is Yoga?

The word “yoga” is a Sanskrit term that has a multitude of meanings. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke, to join or to unite.

Yoga is a process of unification of body, mind and spirit.

The history of yoga can be traced back to India, with roots in the Vedic period, approximately 5000 B.C.E.


Vinyasa is translated as “to arranging something in a special way.”

In a vinyasa class, students are guided to flow from one pose to the next by connecting with breath.  This harmonizing of breath and movement can increase body awareness, allowing for the release of stagnated energy and a greater feeling of connection and embodiment.

Yin yoga is based on the Taoist concepts of yin-yang theory, opposite and complementary principles in nature. Yin is the stable, unmoving, inward aspect of life; yang is the changing, moving, revealing aspect.

In the body the tendons, ligaments, blood and deep layer of fascia are yin in nature, while the more mobile and pliable muscles are yang in nature.

A yin yoga class usually consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses targeting the release of the yin tissues in the body. The poses are held for up to five minutes, sometimes longer. Mindful attention is placed on the breath and sensations as they arise and fall away. Often poetry and philosophical teaching are woven into classes.

According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) definition is: “Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga.” Yoga is comprised of a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation. Yoga therapy tailors these practices to the health needs of each individual. It helps to promote overall health and supports a person with particular medical conditions. Yoga therapy can be used as a complement to medical treatment of chronic and acute physical and/or mental conditions.

Yoga Therapists are yoga teachers who have additional training in the therapeutic applications of yoga.  They may specialize in teaching specific groups of people sharing the same health condition. A Yoga Therapist can also work one on one with people using various modalities such as; counselling, Ayurvedic medicine and gentle hands on bodywork.

I combine my understanding of Thai Yoga Massage, Reiki, Swedish Relaxation, Lomi Lomi, Tui Na, CranioSacral Therapy and Acupressure in each massage treatment. Through a balance of knowledge and intuition I work to create an individualized and therapeutic treatment.

I see massage as an opportunity to become still and centered within your body so your nervous system can balance and restoration, release and healing can occur. In this receptive place one can experience relief from blocked energy and adhered body tissues.


Swedish massage is what comes to mind for most when massage is mentioned.  It is generally known as relaxation massage.  Flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction and joint movement are all used to create a deeply relaxing and healing effect on the body.

Swedish massage is generally done at a moderate to slow speed and soothing rhythm.  A deeper or lighter pressure is used depending on a person’s preference.  Many people drift off into a relaxing state of consciousness somewhere between sleep and awake.  Swedish massage does not only benefit your physical body, one’s emotional well-being is greatly affected by way of calming the mind and breath and centering awareness within the body.

The massage strokes and movements used warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually break up muscle “knots” or adhered tissues, called adhesions. This modality can decrease pain in the body and stimulates lymph and metabolic wastes to be released from the muscle tissues, while increasing blood circulation to areas of blockage.


Translated as “massage therapist” or “hawaiian massage” or “to knead, to rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat.” in the Hawaiian language.  Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage was created by Polynesian ancestors, more particularly known as the superior healers of Hawaii. In ancient times, the way to relax and release toxins from the body was to receive a massage.

According to the Hawaiian philosophy Huna, Lomi Lomi massage emphasizes living in harmony and love.  Lomi Lomi massage is known as loving hands massage as it works gently yet deeply into the muscles enabling the body to take a rest.

All portions of the human body are connected using breath and long sweeping connecting strokes to unify the whole being and restore a natural way within.  The word “aloha” is very meaningful for the Hawaiians and lomi lomi massage practitioners, for it means “the joyful sharing of life energy in the present.”  Lomi Lomi holds a foundation of giving the “touch of love” or “loving touch” in each treatment. Harmony and flow are essential, mirrored by the natural world.

Thai yoga massage or Thai massage is a healing system that combines acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, gentle rocking movements and assisted yoga postures to open and stretch places that are tight and restricted. This massage is done on a mat on the floor, the patient is fully dressed wearing comfortable clothing; there is no oil used. The practitioner uses there hands, feet, fingers, forearms and elbows to stimulate the body to release held tension.

Reiki was developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist monk, Mikao Usui. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands on healing by which “universal energy” is channeled through the hands of the practitioner to a patient in order to encourage healing. This modality is deeply relaxing and soothing to the nervous system.

A system of alternative medicine intended to relieve pain and tension by gentle manipulations of the skull to harmonize the natural rhythm in the central nervous system.  CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.


By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. This modality is effective for a wide range of internal disharmony or illness’s associated with pain and dysfunction.

Retreats coming this fall and winter

Workshops coming this fall and winter