Swedish Massage works directly on the muscle tissue to reduce adhesions and tension points. It involves thumb, hand, and forearm movements and uses a combination of kneading, soft brushing and applied pressure to specific areas. Depending on the needs of the client, a Swedish Massage can be a full body experience (head to feet, front and back) or restricted to problem areas. Swedish Massage uses oil or gel depending on the preferences of the client. Clients often describe Swedish Massage as soothing because of the slow, methodical movements. There is, what can be described as, a choreography to Swedish Massage and it is not uncommon for clients to drift off during the massage in total relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage works by stretching the fascia of the muscle and the connective tissue which affect a person’s range of motion. This modality uses some of the same movements as Swedish Massage but the movements are slower and the pressure is deeper and more concentrated on the area of tension and pain. Some clients prefer this massage as it is more vigorous and intense. Oils and gels are not used for Deep Tissue Massage. Passive range of motion maneuvers, stretching, and active participation from the client is sometimes required to release muscle tension and adhesions. Deep Tissue Massage is often needed by clients engaged in sports or by those have sustained an acute injury. Clients who suffer from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, issues with posture or scar tissue benefit greatly from this treatment.

Sports Therapy Massage works mostly to increase muscle temperature and elasticity. The movements are faster and more vigorous and involve stretching, compression, friction and vibration of the area. Sports therapy also involves joint mobilization. Post-activity Sports Therapy Massage maneuvers are slowed down and help to rid the body of lactic acid which builds up in the muscles during exercise. Massage oil and cream are used to reduce friction. Sports Massage is recommended for the ‘weekend warrior’ or for anyone involved in sport in order to maintain overall muscle tissue health.

Chair Massage or, Amma-Swedish Technique for Chair, involves Oriental Accupressure combined with Swedish Massage. The fully clothed client is seated in an ergonomically designed Massage Chair. This treatment is designed specifically to attend to stress in neck, shoulders, back and head and has been extensively used by those who sit for many hours at work. Chair Massage sessions are generally shorter (usually up to 30 minutes). The focus of this modality is to increase blood flow and energy, relieve ‘knots’ and stress and to reinvigorate. The practitioner, works out the stressed, knotted and ‘overworked’ shoulders, neck and back which often become stiff sore and taut from the typical office environment. Chair Massage also addresses repetitive task syndrome by attending to hands and arms. This is an ideal therapy for those with limited time, chronically tight neck and shoulders or those who are not comfortable taking off their clothes for massage

Pre and Post Natal Massage Pre-Natal Massage is a combination of Californian and Swedish Massage techniques that are applied gently and safely for the pregnant woman and her baby. The pregnant client is placed on the massage bed or ergonomically designed chair in a position that is both comfortable and which takes special consideration of the lower back and the legs to relieve back pain and decrease muscular swelling in the legs and feet. Massage gel or oil is used. The mother’s belly is also gently massaged.The benefits of this therapy are twofold; whatever is received by the mother is also received by the baby. The soothing effects of massage carry over; ‘good’ hormones are stimulated, heart rate and neural activity are decreased. The immune system is boosted and the detoxification of the liver and kidneys are encouraged. Post-Natal Massage is the gentle massage of the abdomen and stomach after the birth of the child. For those who have had caesarian section, massage of the scar tissue is an effective way to deal with the often tight tissue left behind by this surgery. Often clients describe a tingling, raw, or numb sensation in the area long after surgery. Gentle massage of the area can help to loosen the fibrous tissue, reduce pain and help restore normal sensation

Massage Swedish Massage techniques are used in Baby and Toddler Massage. Touch is one of the most important senses we possess. It can convey so much; to a baby or toddler, touch can be soothing, comforting, calming. Touch represents reassurance and, often, healing. Of course, when working with babies and toddlers, there is always an element of unpredictability! That’s why the baby sets the stage for this modality. Sessions vary between 20-45 minutes during which the child guides the practitioner with his or her reactions. Whether it’s sitting up, lying down or crawling there is an incredible amount of eye contact and verbal cue between the practitioner and the child. Parent is always present during the massage and will ultimately help massage their child with coaching from the practitioner. 100% grape seed oil is used; it is both hypoallergenic to the skin and if ingested. Baby and Toddler Massage helps to develops the skin’s sensitivity, stimulates blood circulation, the respiratory system as well as the gastrointestinal system and can be a great source of relief for upset tummies, gas and constipation. It promotes a more profound sleep, deeper concentration and is a great time for parent-child bonding.

Californian Massage works mostly on the surface muscles to help increase blood circulation, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension. This therapy involves hand and forearm movements including soft kneading, brushing, and light pressure applied on large body surfaces. Within a one-hour session the entire body is usually massaged (head to foot, front and back). Although Californian might appear similar to Swedish Massage, there is no such thing as a ‘hard’ or vigorous Californian Massage; the movements are inherently softer, uses less depth and covers more surface area, and employs longer strokes. Californian Massage also uses oils or gels and delivers a well rounded massage for anyone who wishes to have a full-body massage and does not need any particular area of focus.

Foot Reflexology focuses on the feet including the ankle, the top of the foot and the calf, depending on the client and the practitioner. Reflexology is not a Massage Therapy, per se, but pressure point therapy that works by applying small precise movements mostly using the thumbs. Reflexology also works with the body’s own subtle energy flow that run along the feet and which correspond to every area, gland and organ of the body. Talc rather than cream is used to maintain a dry surface and to maintain friction between the practitioner’s hands and the client’s feet. Reflexology is performed on a fully clothed person lying face-up on a massage bed or on a reclined long chair. Clients are expected to have freshly washed feet; nevertheless, the practitioner will clean the client’s feet with a topical astringent to help reduce sweating. In a typical 60 minute session, both feet will receive a Reflexology sequence. Palpating the energy zones of the feet can help balance and normalize the functions of different body parts. Indeed, certain conditions can be alleviated by Foot Reflexology; back pain, migraine, neck pain, respiratory illnesses and allergies have all been eased through Foot Reflexology.

The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words Rei = Universal and Ki = Life Force Energy. Reiki is based on the premise that invisible energy flows through the body much like cars driving along a highway. As long as the energy, like the cars, flow freely, the body is balanced, harmonized and in tune. When this energy gets backed up, like traffic, everything is thrown off kilter causing stress, tension, anxiety and illness. Reiki is a hands-on energy therapy that manipulates energy flow around the body to reduce stress and stimulate deep relaxation. Reiki promotes healing on all levels; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. In this case, the client is a participant in the therapy. Reiki is a flow of energy between the Reiki practitioner and the participant. During a session, participants may experience physical sensations such as tingling, cold, warmth, lightness, heaviness, buoyancy or a floating feeling. After a session many clients express feeling refreshed and calm. Reiki is performed on a fully clothed person lying down on the floor or on a massage table. The Reiki practitioner lays their hands along or above the participants’ seven energy centers or Chakras. Energy is passed between practitioner and client leaving the recipient feeling completely relaxed.

This very sought after treatment which originated in Japan several thousand years ago. It is administered on a mat on the floor. Shiatsu (literally meaning ‘finger pressure’) involves applying pressure to the meridian lines of the body using the palms, finger tips and thumbs. Meridian points run the length of the body and treatment can be general from head to feet or more specified depending on areas of pain or discomfort. Shiatsu incorporates both stretching and acupressure in order to relieve stress and tension. Participants have described feelings of deep relaxation and better sleep cycles after treatment. Shiatsu, like most traditional Asian medical practices, is a holistic therapy that addresses at once the body’s physical, emotional, mental and energetic systems. Many clients enjoy Shiatsu’s combination of kneading and stretching which offer a complete massage and accupressure experience.

Meditation is quite simple. It is the ability to quiet your mind and focus inward. That’s all. It sounds easy enough, but, from Isaac Luria and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to Meditation for Dummies, Meditation boasts a long and multicultural history. Thousands of tomes have been written on the subject of Meditation. Masters have taught and gurus followed. It’s not only about finally being able to focus on that one geometric shape or understanding the puzzling zen kohan but the journey you take to get there. You can go on a trip with directions or you can take a travel guide. Meditation is like that journey; everyone will take the trip but it all depends on the path you take to get there.

Yes. ArcoIris practitioners have studied Meditation and are happy to pass along these strategies to their clients. They have studied a variety of modalities; some familiar and some quite different. Meditation is a skill one must continue to hone; the more we learn, the better we get and are we are happy to pass all of them along to you. daily living.

Stress management is a skills based therapy wherein the practitioner uses a series of techniques to help the client address specific or non-specific stressors or stress triggers. These skills and techniques (deep breathing, recognizing and acknowledging stressors) are then applied to activities of daily living.

Yes. Clients who suffer from general anxiety and acute anxiety attacks can receive help at ArcoIris. Through a variety of techniques including deep breathing, meditation, Reiki, Massage Therapy (the proper modality will be decided by you and your practitioner) over time, anxiety can be greatly reduced.

What is IBS? IBS is a functional disorder in which the bowel doesn't work as it should. IBS can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS does not damage the bowel. Please note, however, that IBS cannot be self-diagnosed. A doctor should diagnose IBS based on your symptoms and the elimination of other possible diseases through various medical tests. Stress and foods (particularly fats, insoluble fibers, and gastrointestinal I irritants) can trigger symptoms, but the underlying pathology of IBS is caused by a brain-gut dysfunction. Once you have a firm IBS diagnosis, do not despair; while there is no cure yet, there are many ways to successfully manage - and prevent - all IBS symptoms.

Help for symptoms of IBS ArcoIris can consult with you concerning your specific IBS symptoms and discuss a course of homeopathic treatment designed for your needs. Diet is the main factor in controlling symptoms and treatment can also include soothing abdominal massage. As the exclusive Quebec distributor of Heather’s Tummy Care Products, we are happy to offer a line of organic and kosher supplements which are highly effective in reducing the symptoms and discomfort of IBS.

ArcoIris Practitioners can be booked for corporate and private events. We offer a range of workshops from Couples’s Massage, Baby Toddler Massage, to Meditation and Reiki sessions to Chair Massage for the office party. Give your friends the treat of relaxation and book us for a birthday party or a girl’s night out! We’re happy to help you plan your event, so just give us a call and we can build something to your specifications.