Wellness Services

Myofascial Release

‘Myo’ means muscle and ‘fascia’ is the connective tissue that is found throughout our body. Fascia is a densely woven substance that surrounds and penetrates every muscle, bone, artery, vein, nerve and organ of the body. This collagenous fiber is normally soft and pliable but can become restricted, tight, hardened or thickened (as in scar tissue). When this happens, it can restrict the movement of muscles and joints, therby decreasing your range of motion. Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands on technique that involves applying sustained pressure into the connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore optimal range of motion and tissue health.

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation massage aims to help you get back in touch with your body and reduce any unnecassary built up stress. By tuning into your breath and out of your head, a relaxation focused massage can help to balance your hormones (ie. lowering cortisol levels and increasing serotonin) and has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Calm, fluid massage strokes will warm and nourish the tissues and increase circulation, washing away your stress. Relaxation techniques can lower blood pressure, alleviate headaches and tension and decrease restlessness. By feeling nurtured and ‘whole’, you reconnect with the vital energy within you, and leave feeling well and rejuvenated.

We Also Offer the Following Treatments:

• Active and Passive Facilitated
• Stretching
• Joint Mobilizations
• Muscle Energy Technique
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Isolytic Release
• Heat / Hydro Therapy

From a western lens, studies have shown that acupuncture induces the release of neurochemicals which enhance systemic healing. For example, acupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (affecting brain chemistry) which stimulates the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones. This can play a role in pain reduction, regulating sleep cycles and digestion, decreasing inflammation, promoting immunity, along with other aspects that help to regulate the body’s state of being. Acupuncture also increases blood flow to muscles, fascia and joints, which has been shown to improve movement and reduce tension and general discomfort. By stimulating the conduction of electro-magnetic signals, the brain-body circuitry is enhanced to coordinate messages which help to regulate the system as a whole.

Acupuncture can be effective in treating conditions such as (but not limited to):

• Menstrual and gynecological irregularities & discomfort
• Arthritis
• Whiplash
• Neurological conditions
• Respiratory conditions
• Digestive conditions

One of Melanie’s favourite parts about Traditional Chinese Medicine is ‘Yang Sheng Fa’ which translates to ‘Vital Life Force’ or ‘Nourishing Life Principles’. This is the aspect of acupuncture which addresses lifestyle, such as diet, activities and habits, which essentially make up who we are and how we feel each day. Addressing lifestyle can uncover fascinating aspects about our health…so if you are interested in how the puzzle pieces fit together, let’s explore!

Acupuncture is covered under several health insurance plans, and is also covered under many ICBC claims. If you have any questions about acupuncture, or want to discuss if it may be a good fit for you, please contact Melanie.

In recent years, scientific research on ‘neuroplasticity’ has changed the way we approach the brain. We now know that our nervous system is capable of changing and evolving throughout our entire lives. Therefore, just as our nervous system has learned to keep certain muscles tight, it can also learn to release chronic tension!

We “learn” our movement patterns throughout our lives, as we experience trauma (both physical and emotional), engage in repetitive movements, and move through the stresses of life. Over time, the way our bodies respond to these conditions can actually perpetuate dysfunction in our bodies. Thomas Hanna coined the term ‘‘Sensory-Motor Amnesia,’’ a habituated state of forgetfulness of how certain muscle groups feel, and how to control them. Our patterns become so deeply rooted that we don’t even have to think about them, this is known as muscle memory. Sensory Motor Amnesia, or unconscious muscular contraction, can result in common conditions such as chronic pain, limited mobility, loss of balance, discomfort in the joints, shallow breathing and compromised posture.

There are three major components to Clinical Somatics:

1. Assessment: A thorough postural assessment, both standing and lying down, will help you sense and understand your body’s holding pattern, and give you and your practitioner a baseline to compare with throughout treatment.
2. Facilitated Pandiculation: Pandiculation is the nervous system’s natural way of waking up the sensory-motor system. A basic example is how a cat or dog takes time for a luxurious stretch after laying down. This voluntary contract-relax method resets your muscles, thereby readying you for efficient movement. In treatment, you engage your muscles through specific functional motions with gentle resistance from a practitioner, which helps your body send biofeedback to the brain regarding the level of engagement in your muscles. Pandiculation aids in restoring conscious control over the body, helping muscles that were held tight to relax, and those that weren’t firing to become awake and stimulated.
3. Independent Awareness Exercises: Although we can achieve substantial unwinding on the table, it is important to have tools that allow you to tune into your body to strengthen new neuromuscular pathways. You will be given specific embodiment exercises that will reinforce your sensory-motor awareness. These exercises are meant to be practiced on a regular basis in order for you to maintain your new found freedom of movement and also to continue to explore and unwind your body as life continues outside the treatment room.

The Somatic approach aims to address the root cause of chronic pain and tension by rewiring the nervous system. As you regain conscious awareness and motor control over your body, your brain will remember this new felt sense, and allow you to continue to perpetuate the balance and softness that is attained from each exercise. The process of somatic education can effectively decrease muscle tension, release trauma reflexes, and empower you to move and live in a more free and relaxed state. We look forward to working with you!

What Is Microcurrent Therapy?

Microcurrent therapy involves the application of very low-voltage electrical impulses to targeted areas of the body. These impulses stimulate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which fuels cellular activity and regeneration. This makes it an effective modality for:

• Pain relief (acute or chronic)
• Injury recovery
• Muscle re-education
• Reducing inflammation
• Enhancing lymphatic drainage
• Boosting circulation and cellular detoxification

What Can You Expect?

Treatments are gentle, relaxing, and typically last between 30–60 minutes. Many clients describe the sensation as soothing or barely noticeable. Depending on your condition and goals, a customized treatment plan will be developed by our trained therapists to achieve the best results.

Microcurrent therapy can be used on its own or integrated with other services we offer, such as massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, or holistic bodywork.

Who Can Benefit?

Microcurrent therapy is suitable for individuals experiencing:

• Neuromuscular dysfunction
• Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
• Stress and tension-related conditions

Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to enhance your body’s natural energy flow, microcurrent therapy offers a gentle, effective path to wellness.

Have A Question?

We take a personalized approach to every unique person and have fresh eyes & ears with each session. At Saratoga Wellness, we believe in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and empowering our clients on their journey to better health. If you have a question you’d like to ask us, please contact us through the link below.

We are grateful to work, play and live in the beautiful region between the Oyster River & Saratoga Beach.  We respectfully acknowledge that this is Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.