Karin Jacobson, B.A.Sc. R.M.T.
Registered Massage Therapist

Karin uses a combination of subtle and deeper techniques, based on the patient's needs, to re-balance the body, correcting posture, restoring soft tissue function and relieving pain.

In addition to Swedish massage, Karin uses the following techniques:

• Myofascial Release - stretching of the connective tissue around muscles, bones and joints to restore normal length and function;
• Muscle Energy Therapy - positioning of the patient so that his/her own gentle muscle contractions will restore normal, pain-free movement at joints in the spine and pelvis;
• Lymphatic Drainage - reduction of fluid build-up and swelling after injuries such as sprains or fractures, or after surgery, to relieve pain and speed healing;
• Visceral Manipulation - release of adhesions between the abdominal organs that can arise from abdominal surgery or injury; these adhesions may contribute to reduced organ function or back pain;
• Craniosacral - gentle work around the skull and cerebrospinal fluid to relieve migraine and tension headaches;
• Hydrotherapy - the application of heat and/or cold to augment the other treatment modalities; and
• Therapeutic Exercise - the personalized 'homework' after each treatment, so the patient can continue stretching, strengthening and re-aligning between treatments, increasing the rate of recovery.

Karin also enjoys providing maternity and infant massage for the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Prior to studying massage therapy, Karin earned her degree as a Chemical Engineer and worked in that capacity for 16 years. Karin has also worked as a sea kayaking guide, first aid instructor and served as a part-time firefighter and ski patroller. As well, she has experience in yoga, martial arts, running and cycling, and delights in the year-round gardening made possible by Nanaimo's mild climate.

Also Available:

• Reiki - A form of Asian energy healing, Reiki uses universal energy to balance the body, mind and spirit, to allow the client's own healing process. Full-body treatments are usually 60 to 90 minutes in length.

Lorraine Bruce, R.M.T.
Registered Massage Therapist

Lorraine Bruce graduated from the West Coast College of Massage therapy in Vancouver, B.C. in 1985, Vancouver's first accredited college in BC for massage therapy.

Lorraine's interest in becoming a massage therapist occurred after receiving personal treatment herself. She knew immediately she was destined to relieve pain and help others! Lorraine's specialty is deep tissue and myofascial release.

Lorraine has great compassion for people and it shows in her work. Massage therapy has given Lorraine a great deal of satisfaction in seeing her clients improve from such conditions as whiplash, work-related injuries, overuse syndromes, fibromyalgia, and a variety of other soft-tissue problems. Patients comment that Lorraine works intuitively, which she credits to her combined knowledge of on-going accreditation and her natural empathy. In short, Lorraine understands the needs of each individual.

Lorraine looks forward to meeting you, your family and your friends!

Lydia Chin, R.M.T.
Registered Massage Therapist

Lydia Chin, R.M.T., completed her training of 3000 hours as a Registered Massage Therapist in April 2010, at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC.

As a recent graduate, Lydia is eager and committed to applying her knowledge of massage therapy towards attaining and maintaining a healthy and well balanced lifestyle to all clients. She welcomes and appreciates the challenges of working with a variety of clients and tailors each treatment to meet the client's particular needs.

Lydia is extremely excited to be working as part of a diverse team of professionals that promote health and rehabilitation. She values a multi-disciplinary approach to health and believes massage is an important part of achieving overall well-being.

Lydia utilizes a number of techniques including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, hydrotherapy, general swedish, deep tissue and relaxation techniques. She has an interest in, and wishes to further her knowledge in myofascial release and muscle energy techniques.

If not hiking or biking Vancouver Island's great outdoors, Lydia also enjoys traveling, photography, music and spending time with her beloved dog. Please join us in welcoming Lydia to our team!