I found out about Ugi on a somewhat obscure You Tube trainer video.  It’s this big squishy medicine ball that you use for your entire workout.  From Plank to V Sit Ups and the like.

Because it looks like a fad I resisted buying one for two months.  When I couldn’t stop wishing for one my husband finally ordered me one for Christmas.  I love it.

After having difficult births with both my kids recovery was a long slow road.  Four months ago I started working out everyday – just a little bit.  Four months of 20 minutes of cardio and a few strengthening exercises plateaus after awhile.  I really needed something different and harder and Ugi has been a God send.

It takes 30 minutes with combo strength and cardio.  I do it with my kids around and it has become a permanent piece of furniture in my living room.  I like knowing when the kids are trying to sit or stand on it they are doing something good for themselves too!

Be sure when looking for a therapist who does massage for your insurance benefits that they are indeed a Registered Massage Therapist.  Marketing language can be confusing to a client who is not familiar with the industry looking for someone to just “massage” their back.

If the professional you are seeking is not Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) they cannot be covered by your benefit health coverage.  The College sets the government exams for all massage therapists in Ontario and is the regulatory body for all RMTs in Ontario.  Every massage therapist will have spent 2200 hours in training and completed and passed written and oral exams set out by the CMTO before they can be Registered.  This way you can know that the quality of training has met a high standard even before the therapist begins their career.

All of the therapists at Toronto Bodyworks are Registered Massage Therapists and many have other complimentary training as well.  You can rest assured you are in good hands!

Also check out this study published by the CBC this week regarding the efficacy of massage therapy as an anti-inflammatory aid for damaged muscles.  The report focuses on post exercise damage but cites other benefits as well: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/01/massage-muscle-repair.html and this article from Discover Magazine: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/02/03/massage-doesnt-just-feel-good-it-changes-gene-expression-and-reduces-inflammation/

Massage Therapy treats soft tissues of the body (skin, muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, diaphragm, etc…) using Swedish massage techniques. This involves the use of liniments on the skin with pressure and fluid movements by the therapist. Other techniques can be incorporated according to your needs (trigger point therapy, stretching, joint mobilizations, etc…). Commonly used for muscle tension and circulation, massage therapy has finally become very popular in North America. We use only natural high quality oils and lotions as well as heat or cold depending on your chief complaint. Alternatively you can request a simple relaxation massage to beat everyday stress.

Sports Massage
Sports massage is similar to regular massage but can vary depending whether the client is pre or post-event. Pre-event sports massage involves techniques to stimulate muscles, circulation and the nervous system. Techniques are quick and varied. Post-event is usually focused on the area of use with techniques to relax and elongate muscles and increase local metabolism to help prevent soreness. Great for active people of all ages and levels.

Hot Stone Massage
This modality is a hybrid of Swedish massage and traditional hot stone therapy. Historically there are references to Hot Stones and Massage in many indigenous cultures including Egypt, India and North America.

Warm stones are used in the therapist’s hands as the body is massaged. Other stones are strategically placed on you or between you and the table to further enhance the treatment. The heat from the stones move very deep into the body leaving you incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated.

Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment (N.I.S.A.)
This technique is a gentle form of Rolfing. It may seem similar to massage but the angle, direction, depth and liniment are different. NISA works to stretch and soften the body’s fascia; the matrix tissue holding and binding all of the internal structures. By loosening the fascia, muscles release more easily and treatment effects last longer. When fascia is unrestricted the body moves into better alignment creating improved posture and greater ease of mobility.

Lymph Drainage
The lymph system is in part responsible for proper fluid metabolism, detoxification and regeneration of the body’s tissues. It also helps maintain a strong immune system. If lymph circulation stagnates, toxins and fluids accumulate and the body’s ability to heal becomes compromised.

This technique varies but the one element that remains constant is light pressure. Hands or a gentle body brush can be used to encourage the lymph fluid movement in the direction of the channels. Very effective for low-grade inflammation, edema and more.

Sometimes referred to as Acupressure, shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy based on the same system as acupuncture. The therapist uses  their hands, thumbs, elbows and sometimes knees to manipulate your body’s tissues and pressure points using various techniques.

Pressure is applied to energy channels or meridian pathways along your head, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, back and abdomen. Techniques are light to deep depending on your body’s response and comfort level. Sue practices Zen meridian shiatsu, a system derived from layers of theory with a developed intellectual approach depending on the body’s responsiveness to the treatment. In short Zen shiatsu incorporates multi-layered treatment specific to your needs.

You remain clothed during your shiatsu treatment. You can also have the option of being in your underwear and draped between two sheets. The latter can be more useful if you want to combine Sue’s treatment with acupuncture.

Relieve muscular tension, align the skeletal structure, loosen joints, stimulate organs and balance the body with this interactive therapy. Your therapist utilizes their body during thai massage to activate and treat meridian pathways in your body for overall balance. Also known as Lazy Yoga, the client allows the therapist to perform stretches to the client’s body. The hands on aspect of this treatment is similar to shiatsu in the manner of pressure point work. An overall rejuvenating and revitalizing treatment.

Acupuncture affects several of the body’s systems at once, thus treating the individual as a whole. During treatment fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points along channels otherwise known as meridians which carry qi (pronounced chee), the body’s energy. It is believed when qi is blocked or deficient once can experience stress, pain or discomfort. The therapist can use acupuncture to re-mediate qi and restore a balance in the body.

Western medicine cannot fully explain acupuncture but research has shown an increase in white blood cell count (increase in immunity) and endorphins (natural pain killers) after treatment. Put simply, acupuncture stimulates the body to do what it needs to accelerate desired health.

Acupuncture can be used to treat just about anything. Common treatments are administered for digestive disorders, gynecological problems, immunity, muscular tension, headaches, emotional stress, pain, sleep disorders, addiction and much more.

History & Development
Acupuncture has been used in Asia as mainstream medicine for thousands of years and has been adopted by several cultures around the world. In recent years western culture has embraced this discipline and is benefiting from what it has to offer.

Cosmetic acupuncture has become a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery in many parts of the world including the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden and now Canada. Celebrities, anyone and everyone are using this effective and innovative technique to reduce lines on the face, enhance their natural appearance and to slow down gravity’s effects in the aging process.

It was discovered during acupuncture treatments for ailments involving needle points on the face or areas harboring cellulite that those patients had marked changes in the quality of the skin, texture and muscle tone of the treated areas. There was a glow and radiance with a tightening of the skin and increased muscle tone. Lines on the face reduced or disappeared. With much research cosmetic acupuncture was born. It is now making a global name for itself.

How Does It Work?
Fine needles are used on acupuncture points on your body for systemic support and extremely fine, tiny needles are used on the face. The facial needles increase local circulation thereby bringing more nutrients to the area and revitalizing the skin. It also stimulates local collagen production firming the tissue to give a more youthful appearance. The systemic points are chosen specific to your health needs while incorporating meridians responsible for vitality and longevity. Once the needles have been in for approximately 35 minutes, they are carefully removed and the session closes with a facial massage. This ensures proper lymphatic drainage and toxic elimination.

Treatment
A course of treatment involves 10 – 12 sessions, each appointment once or twice a week (or more often if you are healthy and have availability) until the package is complete. Maintenance involves one treatment a month or at the change of each season. Most clients see results by the 6th or 7th session and usually report a healthy “radiance” for 24 hours after each session.

Some clients will be given a mask treatment during the course of their facial or cellulite treatment depending on the skin’s condition and response. The masks are clean, all natural and may be specifically  formulated with organic essential oils or Chinese herbs. The mask is a treatment you can take home to do for yourself.

Results
Cosmetic acupuncture is for individuals who want to enhance what they have, slow down the aging process or look 5 – 10 years younger. Everyone responds individually. Cosmetic acupuncture is helpful with the following:

• fine lines and wrinkles
• dark circles under the eyes
• puffy eyes
• acne
• rosacea
• large pores
• double chin
• sagging skin
• cellulite

A report in the international Journal of Clinical Acupuncture in 1996 found that of 300 cases being treated with clinical acupuncture, 98% had marked effects with one course of treatment. Results were: skin more delicate and fair; improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles and diminishing wrinkles; a healthier complexion and overall rejuvenation.

Cosmetic Acupuncture — 
An Example Of Before And After

This is a photo documentation of some of the changes this treatment can provide.  The pictures have not been treated and were taken by an amature camera and photographer (myself).

Here you see a great example of how acupuncture can tighten skin. In the  before photo the skin around the chin softly gives way to the neck and even the cheeks have a downward motion.

 Apart from the gravitational pull she has a gathering of skin under the eyes and mild rosacea on the cheeks.

 The after photo shows the overall lift for the face; the skin is taut; the chin line is more defined; the cheeks are firmer; the tissue around the eyes is tight and there is increased luster and sheen to the skin. Even her eyes appear brighter. The rosacea dissipated although not absolutely clear in this photo. 

The after picture is a bit shiny as it was taken post-treatment after the facial massage. Almost ten years later not only does this client look the same as her after photo but she continues to surpass my expectations after her maintenance sessions (once a month).

Client Testimonial:

“The cosmetic acupuncture experience itself is extremely relaxing and expansive, in fact, frequently it was similar to deep and profound meditation. I emerged from sessions refreshed, tension free, and more spiritual attuned. Throughout the course of treament, I also became more aware of when and how I was holding tension in my face, and this awareness continues to provide me with opportunities to release facial tension as it occurs. Friends, colleagues and acquaintances remark on the radiance and clarity of my skin, and the lack of wrinkles for my age (41 years). I look forward to my monthly maintenance session, as it has become a valuable component of my self nurturing and my preventative lifestyle. Sue Sheedy is a highly skilled and exceptional practitioner of a wide range of healing arts, and I am delighted to continue to receive the benefits of her expertise in cosmetic acupuncture.”

Ann Marie Keating, M.Sc,
Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology

Cranium: skull
Sacrum: upper portion of the tailbone

This modality is very subtle and effective. Light and gentle touch is used to evaluate and remediate the craniosacral system.

The craniosacral system consists of: the bones that form the skull, the spine, the pelvis as well as the fluid that moves up and down the spine and around the brain (cerebral spinal fluid). The fluid is secreted in waves emitting its own pulse.

CranioSacral therapy works with the craniosacral pulse to remediate its fluid movements where there are restrictions in turn releasing tight or misaligned structures. It also has an enormous impact on calming and rebalancing the nervous system.

By working with the craniosacral system one can address many physical and sometimes emotional problems. Helpful for: pain of all kinds; recovery, especially 24 hours after trauma (car or bike accident, fall, etc…); anxiety and all levels of stress. CrainoSacral Therapy has been an aid where other therapies fail.