Wellness & Massage Therapy
Achieving optimum wellness is as important to your daily routine as your practice of yoga.
Registered Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Energy Healing and the various types of consultations we offer can support your emotional, mental and physical wellness.
Registered Massage Therapy
Massages with our talented Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are a peaceful and practical blend of targeted and relaxing bodywork. All RMT treatments include an assessment and receipt for insurance purposes.
Therapeutic Massage
Massage that is done using long strokes with oil or lotion. Pressure and areas of focus are adjusted to your individual needs. Ideal for those who have specific concerns or injury, have high-stress levels and are looking to ease stress/tension and improve sleep. Each therapist also has a host of massage modalities in their skill set that they bring to the treatment.
Myofascial Release Massage
Myofascial Release Massage uses a variety of techniques such as lifting, torqueing, spreading, twisting, even finger rolling, but without oil to encourage the release/relaxation of adhesions between affected muscles and their related fascia which can occur for a variety of reasons, like after injuries or periods of immobility.
Myofascial Release is helpful in dealing with repetitive strain injuries such as “tennis elbow”, “golf elbow”, tight back and shoulders complaints, adhesions in the muscles adjacent to the IT band, tight calf muscles contributing to plantar fasciitis and other conditions with reduced range of motion.
TMJ Massage
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) massage targets the muscles of the jaw (temporomandibular joint), face, and neck. It involves gentle, non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain and tension in the TMJ. This treatment has the option of intra-oral massage where the therapist wears gloves for hygiene and gently inserts their fingers into the client’s mouth to massage the internal jaw muscles and other soft tissues.
Cupping Massage
In Cupping Massage, the therapist applies suction cups to the skin which draws up the underlying tissues, blood and lymphatic fluid. It has been found to affect the body up to 4 inches into the tissues. This allows space for freshly oxygenated blood to rush into the layers below, relieving adhesions and metabolic stagnation. It can have lasting effects on deep tissues, fascial restrictions, the movement of fluids, and in increasing ranges of motion.
Indian Head Massage
Provides relief from stress symptoms, anxiety, disturbed sleep, eyestrain headaches, neck, back, and shoulder pain. During this massage acupressure points are stimulated in the face, head, neck, shoulders and arms to help relieve tension and provide energy balancing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Manual lymphatic drainage massage or (MLD) is a specialized massage technique created in the 1932 by Emil and Astrid Vodder and was originally created to help people who suffered from lymphedema. This technique is performed without lotion to focus on decreasing inflammation and edema or swelling by using precise focalized rhythmic movements to assisting the body’s natural lymphatic watershed pathways. This technique assists in the function of reducing backed up fluid, to help in the healing process, and to also to help the body recycle and drain fluid safely and more efficiently.
Abhyanga – Warm Oil Massage
this warm oil massage uses a generous amount of oil selected according to your body type, then warming the oil before it is applied on your skin. Long fluid strokes induce the deepest relaxation, while lymphatic stimulation helps move toxins stored in your body. The massage effectively balances the air element, relaxes nervous system, lubricates joints, nourishes the skin, prevents aging, creates feelings of groundedness and focus.
Reiki Massage
A massage treatment incorporating Reiki, a form of healing that looks to replenish and rebalance the body, mind, and spirit. After a session, most individuals feel both relaxed and rejuvenated. Other benefits from Reiki range from an improved feeling of well-being, the lessening of pain or symptoms, and improved mood.
Hot Stone Massage
A deeply relaxing full-body massage treatment using heated basalt stones. The hot stones release muscle tension while a blend of oils melts away stress and relax the tightest of muscles. All treatments are provided with a clinical assessment and with receipts for insurance purpose.
Lomilomi
Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage style characterized by fluid, rhythmic movements that resemble the gentle waves of the ocean. It incorporates long strokes, kneading, and circular motions using the forearms, elbows, and palms. The technique aims to release tension, promote relaxation, and restore harmony to the body.
Pregnancy Massage
Specialized body positioning techniques will ensure maximum comfort. Pregnancy massage is used to improve circulation, alleviate backaches, legs cramps, and swelling that often accompany pregnancy.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to facilitate the movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.
Contemporary Acupuncture
Contemporary Acupuncture performed by a Registered Massage Therapist focuses on treatment of the soft tissue and connective tissue of the body. Using acupuncture needles it can be helpful in the treatment of chronic or acute muscle and joint pain, sprains and strains, hypertonic muscles, headaches, sports injuries, and other dysfunctions of the joints, connective tissue and muscles. Some examples are hip pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis and golf elbow.
Thai Yoga Massage
This highly therapeutic treatment performed on a Thai mat or massage table, focuses on pressure points, energy lines and stretching to increases energy & flexibility, while centering the mind & body. Dress in comfortable clothes that you can move in easily or yoga attire.
Well-Being Treatments and Consultations
These treatments are either not performed by an RMT or may not be covered by Group Health Insurance. Check with your insurance provider prior to booking if you are seeking insurance coverage.
Thai Yoga Massage
This highly therapeutic treatment performed on a Thai mat, focuses on pressure points, energy lines and stretching to increases energy & flexibility, while centering the mind & body. Dress in comfortable clothes that you can move in easily or yoga attire.
Osteopathic Manual Therapy Treatment
Manual Osteopathy is a form of hands-on therapy with a primary focus of restoring function and eliminating pain by addressing the root cause of the pain, imbalance, injury or illness. It is effective on its own as well as in conjunction with physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage therapy. An assessment appointment is required prior to treatment.
Reiki
A stress-reduction and relaxation technique that promotes well-being. It can also help reduce chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia. Its calming and meditative effects can be felt very quickly. A Reiki session can help facilitate physical, mental and emotional healing, while offering a relaxing experience that promotes wellness.
Energy Healing Session
Customized healing sessions that include a variety of modalities: Sessions may include reiki, chakra balancing, essential oils, crystals and a variety of energy integrating techniques tailored to the client needs.
Numerology
A numerological analysis is a fun and inquisitive way to gain some perspective and frame of reference on yourself and your life’s journey.
Oracle/Tarot Reading
Oracle/Tarot readings offer an insightful and intuitive way to explore your life’s path, providing fresh perspectives and guidance on your journey.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy is an experiential process that interweaves a variety of powerful yogic tools to cultivate wellness at all levels of being. Based on your unique needs, Yoga Therapists serve as guides along a journey of self-discovery and healing.
You can expect:
- Compassionate listening presence and confidential support free of judgment
- Personal attention within the scope of your current abilities and interests
- Appropriate resources to maintain a home practice and ongoing guidance to assist you in making positive changes
In subsequent sessions, the Yoga Therapist will offer yoga tools and practices which may include postures, movement, a focus on breath, guided meditation, visualization, mudra practice, and sounding practice for example.
It is often beneficial to commit for 5 sessions to determine what works best as you integrate new ways of being. Regular practice is important and clients who make that commitment tend to witness results more quickly.
A short Intake Form will be provided in advance. Please wear comfortable clothes.
First Session: 90 minutes: $175.00
Follow Up Session: 75 minutes: $165.00 or 5 sessions for $701.25
booking appointments
Your appointment is not scheduled until you receive a confirmation via e-mail or telephone. If you would like to book and confirm your appointment directly, please call us at 613-761-9642(YOGA).
Please note the following points:
- Arrive on time for the appointment.
- It is each individual’s choice to wear a mask or not wear a mask in the Centre and/or during treatment. Our RMTs will respect your choice and mask accordingly.
- We continue to thoroughly sanitise our hands before and after appointments.
- Our sheets, headrest covers, blankets and towels are professionally sanitized by a commercial linen service and replaced for every client. We sanitize the headrest, massage table and all other touch surfaces between clients.
- All services will be prepaid in advance of the appointment either online at the time of booking, over the phone or in-person.
- No refunds will be given for pre-paid appointment cancellations with more than 24 hours’ notice. A credit will be applied to your PranaShanti account.
- For cancellations with 24 hours’ notice or less, the full fee applies.
Fees (RMT)
- $115.04 + HST / 60 minutes = $130.00
- $159.29 + HST/ 90 minutes = $180.00
- $212.39 + HST / 120 minutes = $240.00
- Contemporary Acupuncture | Cupping Massage | Indian Head Massage | Reiki Massage: $123.89 + HST / 60 minutes = $140.00
- Contemporary Acupuncture | Cupping Massage | Indian Head Massage | Reiki Massage: $168.47 + HST / 90 minutes = $190.00
- Manual Lymphatic Massage | Abhyanga | Hot Stone | Lomilomi: $128.32 + HST / 60 minutes = $145.00
- Manual Lymphatic Massage $172.57 + HST / 90 minutes = $195.00
- Thai Yoga Massage: $132.74 + HST / 60 minutes = $150.00
- Thai Yoga Massage: $176.99 + HST / 90 minutes = $200.00
Fees are effective 02 September 2024 and have increased due to the increase in costs for supplies required. For more information on Ontario’s RMT services and fees, click here.
Our wellness practitioners
Amelia, RMT
Ashley E., RMT
Carol
Emily, RMT
I am an experienced massage therapist with a compassionate and calming presence who uses both comprehensive formal training and skill to provide the most appropriate and supportive service for each client. I graduated from the international academy of massage in 2014 with honors and the award for Excellence in Clinical Technique.
I continue to strive for clinical excellence in my day to day practice of massage therapy, offering customized treatment suited to your needs, whether it be injury recovery, chronic pain management or stress relief.
I have specialized training from the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Nassau Bahamas, in Thai Yoga Massage and Ayurvedic Massage. As well, I have recently completed training in Table Thai Massage at Lotus Palm school of Thai Massage, which adapts the dynamic approach of Thai Yoga to the comforts of the massage table.
A Registered Massage Therapist with the CMTO since 2013, Ashley’s approach to the healing process is that it’s a continuous and creative journey that changes with each person and their own personal experiences. Her goals are to help act as a facilitator for her clients, to guide and help them regain their health through massage therapy by using cupping therapy, Craniosacral, aroma therapy and she also specializes and is certified in Vodder manual lymphatic drainage. Her mantra has always been to see that every person leaves the massage table feeling rejuvenated in mind, body, and spirit.
Ashley has treated clients with chronic pain conditions, swelling related conditions, postural imbalances, scars, post surgical rehabilitation, post cancer rehabilitation, and also for relaxation. She feels it’s important to listen to her clients’ needs and to tailor a treatment to meet those goals.
In her free time Ashley likes to find balance by meditating, practising yoga, exploring the arts, hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Vodder Manual Lymphatic drainage info:
Vodder method Manual Lymphatic drainage is used to clear help with relief of swelling from physical trauma or surgery, sinus congestion, migraines, tinnitus, nerve pain, digestive restrictions, and over all wellness. Reduction in swelling can help with pain relief, to help improve the healing process, and to help recover range of motion at the site of the scar or injury. Depending on the condition or swelling – assessments and measurements can be taken to evaluate recovery.
Carol has been a student of kundalini yoga for over 20 years and has completed her 500hr teacher training at PranaShanti and is a member of yoga alliance and has been a part of the PranaShanti community since 2008. Over the years she has taken additional training in Yoga Nidra as well has contributed to mantra and chanting when volunteering for teacher training or sadhana.
Carol is also a mindfulness facilitator having trained with the Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic as well through Positive Psychology. She has been leading yoga & mindfulness in the workplace which she continued to offer to employees via zoom while remote working. Having been trained in mental health first aid, Carol is a strong advocate of workplace wellness and continues to work with her husband, Wayne in the development and delivery of wellness related webinars.
Carol is also a Reiki Master in the Usui system and has completed phase III of the Holographic Energy Training Program with Julie Desmarais. She is a certified Me First and Huna Practitioner and has been initiated as a Master Teacher in Magnified Healing working with the compassionate energy of Kwan Yin. She has been ordained as a spiritual minister with the Order of Melchizedek and has completed Spiritual Assistance Training. She is also a registered as a Facilitator with Access Consciousness.
Carol has additional certification as a Black Belt in Karate, she is a Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and is certified in Professional Mastery & Assessments (PMAC) and is currently completing her certification in Ho’olokai Numbers Lab (10 bodies) numerology.
She is offering private reiki sessions at PranaShanti. Reiki energy works on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level and has been known to have many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being.
After 18 years of dance and growing up in a household filled with energy healing and yoga I fell in love with the capabilities of the human body.
Helping me to understand the way the human body works and how to fix the aches and pains of everyday life or the challenges we place upon it, I have studied Health Science, Athletic Therapy, Reiki, and Massage Therapy.
I love to integrate all that I have learned through the years into my Massage Treatments and help you to understand your body by demonstrating different techniques to heal your physical and spiritual body. I think it is important that I continue my studies as your practitioner. Since becoming an RMT I have continued studies in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral manipulation, Cupping and am currently enrolled in school to complete my Osteopathic Manual Practitioners certification.
I cater each of my treatments to the needs of my clients after a thorough assessment. My goal is to help you reconnect to your being and stay grounded through your daily life.
Eric
Kat
Lynda
Melissa
Eric's wellness journey began at a young age, when at his first Karate classes he learned about the benefits of meditation and physical exercise. This later led him to explore the practice of Yoga and in 2005 he completed his first Yoga Teacher Training. In 2009, he graduated with distinction from La Cite Collegiale as a Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistant and began to explore how Yoga and Mindfulness might be used in Rehabilitation.
He travelled to India and has been classically trained in Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga, under the tutelage of his present-day Guru. He went on to complete further levels of training, including two 500-hour Yoga Master Programs and received the title of Yoga Acharya, Master of Yoga, M.Y. from the International Sivanada Yoga Vedanta Centre. He has taught and travelled extensively abroad from India to Thailand, the Maldives, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Vancouver and Hong Kong, leading numerous yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats.
During his travels he experienced the healing benefits of Thai massage. In 2011 he returned to Bangkok, Thailand to study at Wat Po, the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. He is certified in Thai Traditional Massage for Health from the Chetawan Thai Traditional Massage School.
Eric is passionate about sharing his expertise in the practice of Yoga and Wellness. He presents Yoga in a way that is accessible as he emphasizes safety and body alignment in all his classes with his grounding and vibrant energy. He is practical and results oriented and believes that Yoga, Massage, Meditation are a benefit for everyone on their own healing journey.
Katherine completed her initial teacher training, here in Ottawa, in 2012. She has been teaching yoga and meditation in the Ottawa-Gatineau region ever since - in studios as well as within the local health and social service sector - alongside her work as a psychotherapist and clinical manager.
Since 2016, Katherine is trained and certified as a yoga therapist within the Krishnamacharya tradition of yoga, also known as Viniyoga. She continues to study, practice, and receive mentorship in this tradition, while continuing to explore the vast wisdom of yoga across all lineages and schools of thought. She has weaved yoga therapy into the fabric of her life and career because she knows its effectiveness in restoring wellness first hand, and sees the results in the people she works with.
She is a mother, a dog-owner, a nature-lover, and writer, who is always looking for ways to deepen her own practice. You can count on Katherine's classes to be breath-centered, regardless of the class style and level of challenge. As much as possible, she will make space to practice the more subtle tools of pranayama, meditation, and savasana, following any asana and movement sequence. Her goals as a therapist and teacher are to help people breathe more freely, heal, thrive, and lead wholehearted lives filled with meaning and connection.
I believe that everyone is whole and complete even as the desire for change is present. My purpose is to remove the barriers to your belief in your infinite potential. My yoga, meditation, yoga therapy and life coaching programs are designed to increase the resilience of all persons, especially those working in high-stress environments, and to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. My approach is based on two key cornerstones of invitation and inquiry. By offering choice and encouraging curiosity, I guide you to fully inhabit your body in the present moment, thus empowering you on and off the mat.
WHO AM I?
I’m a Registered Professional Yoga Teacher (E-RYT-500) with over 1000 hours of training. I’m a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), and I’m certified to teach Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Chair Yoga. I have over 2000 hours of teaching experience.
I'm a Certified iRest® Yoga Nidra Teacher. I’ve been leading iRest classes since 2014. I’m a meditation practitioner and have studied and taught other styles of meditation and mindfulness.
I'm a Certified Warriors at Ease Yoga and Meditation Teacher. The Warriors at Ease program is designed for military personnel, veterans and first responders. My interest in serving people who work in high-stress environments or who have suffered trauma led me to more advanced trauma-sensitive yoga teacher training. For over six years, I partnered with the Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic, offering weekly Empowering Yoga classes.
I’m an Integral Master Coach™ and a Professional Certified Coach. I’ve been coaching since 2003. My integral approach to coaching unlocks your infinite potential by focusing on the effective engagement of your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies. I work with you to offer new perspectives and actions that result in outcomes that deeply matter.
I first came to yoga as a teenager. Over the years life took me in many different directions. Eventually I returned to my yoga roots and took a deep dive. I’m honoured to have studied with Dr. Richard Miller, the co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and the founding president of the Integrative Restoration Institute (iRest). I’ve also had the privilege of studying with many other outstanding teachers.
I’m the founding president of Empowering the Whole Person®.
Melissa has been practicing yoga since 2004 and fell in love with it immediately. Constantly amazed at all the benefits yoga has to offer, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally; her passion for yoga led her to wanting to share it with others.
One of the things Melissa loves about Yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere, anytime and by anyone. Many of us feel that we can’t, aren’t able, haven’t…., etc. But Yoga is not about flexibility or getting into that funky pose. It’s about being in the moment and using our breath to create balance and awareness in ourselves.
Melissa is registered with Yoga Alliance as E-RYT 500 & Continuing Education Provider and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
With her diverse trainings, she teaches many styles of yoga including Hatha (all-levels), Flow, Yoga & Mobility, Yin, Restorative, and Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga. She also offers workshops such as Partner Yoga, Mother’s Day Yoga and her own Bliss Yoga! She specializes in pelvic floor health, proper breathing and postural alignment as well as prenatal and postnatal women, including postpartum recovery.
Melissa teaches with compassion and humour and offers a supportive and welcoming environment for all students and clients. She offers modifications for all levels and abilities and loves when someone finds that ah-ha moment! With breath centered awareness, she encourages people to find their balance between effort and ease, doing and doing nothing.
Her classes reflect her warm and playful spirit!
Michael
Monique
Pamela, RMT
Sarah
Om Sri Hanumate Namaha
Anjaneya, Michael Hutkins teaches traditional Hatha Yoga and meditation classes to students of all ages and abilities. With his foundation of classical Hatha Yoga, classes incorporate Pranayama (Breathing exercises), Sun Salutations or other warm ups, Asanas (Steady postures) and a deep guided relaxation. He adds gentleness, challenges and humour, to help students along their path. Classes can be made accessible to all students.
Training at several Sivananda ashrams in Canada, USA and India has allowed Michael to live with his teachers and be fully immersed in the yoga experience. His training covers a wide scope of yoga, from philosophy and Bhagavad Gita courses to chanting and devotion ceremonies to the physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. As well as enjoying family life, Michael is also a Certified Yoga Therapist.
Monique values her yoga practice as an ongoing journey of becoming more self-aware and lighthearted. Over 25 years of practice, she has come to deeply appreciate the choices she has to live with integrity, to be of service in society, and to live as part of, and not separate from, Nature.
As a yoga teacher, Monique offers a space to pause, digest, and integrate. Feeling our body experience is prioritised over thinking about our body experience. Monique’s classes are breath-filled, grounding, and calming. She offers a space where students feel safe to be themselves and enjoy their practice.
Monique is passionate about finding ways to bring her yoga studies and practice into her engagement with conflict transformation work in all its many forms. She enjoys giving workshops where practitioners can explore their self-awareness and other skills to strengthen their services and teachings.
Monique is a certificed Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT. She is an RYT 500, E-RYT200, YACEP registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. Monique has studied with many teachers over the past 10 years, focusing on Trauma-Sensitive and Trauma-Informed approaches as well as Yin, Restorative, Hatha, and Meditation.
Monique’s somatic teaching practice has evolved out of her embodied and somatic yoga therapy training, as well as other specific somatic trainings. Most recently, Monique completed trainings in embodied conflict resolution, somatic attachment, and her certification as a mind-body coach.
My treatment goals are to eliminate clients’ pain and discomfort resulting from overworked or injured muscles, postural habits, stress and life in general. I work with each client to identify the best remedial exercises and routines for her or him to maintain optimal muscle health and wellbeing after treatment.
In addition to the core massage therapy program, I have additional training in Myofascial Fascial Release, Integrated Manual Therapy, Cupping Therapy and Massage, Tuina, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology among others. Also trained in Shiatsu, I frequently incorporate my knowledge of meridians, acupressure points and their functions into my treatment plans.
Prior to finding my passion for body work in the form of massage therapy, I completed my BA in psychology at St. Francis Xavier University and my MA at Carleton University; my Mind Body connection.
A nature exploring, world traveling, Ottawa local who has always had an interest for all things metaphysical and perhaps, out of this world. Since childhood, she has always been incredibly connected to universal energy. She was lucky enough to spend 10+ summers as a canoe trip camper and later a long trip guide exploring many parts of Northern Ontario and Quebec – with some of these canoe trips lasting 40+ days in the deep Northern woods and waters. This really allowed for immeasurable, soulful exploration of oneself, energetic connections with others, develop an even stronger connection to Mother Nature, and all things universal energy. You could say Sarah has come to being a natural intuitive healer through a variety of life experiences and personal traumas that allowed for incredible growth, shadow work and authentic healing. With that, she loves to support others through their life changing experiences and help guide them on their healing path.
A long-time service provider here in Little Italy who has built a long-standing career in esthetics, Sarah has also trained as a Reiki practitioner and has a great passion for energy healing. Since 2016, she has developed her energetic touch and loves building on her knowledge and growing her intuitive energetic practices. Utilizing various healing modalities such as sound healing, crystal therapy, essential oils and oracle/tarot cards, Sarah loves tailoring her services to meet the individual needs of her clients. Sarah is incredibly excited to share her intuitive energetic touch and support her clients through their healing journeys.