Canada

Marie Graff

Therapeutic massage is a session for resolving physical problems or to increase or enhance physical function. How deep or focused the treatment is depends on the length of the booking and the interest and tolerance of the client, all of which is negotiated at the time of the treatment.  Therapeutic massage determines the intention of the treatment not how deep the work is. I am known for deep work, primarily because deep work is not something every therapist does or does well, but I am known even more for the intuitive nature of my work. 
Every client is unique and their needs may change significantly between sessions.  It is my hope that the client's problem is addressed and that they are improved as a result of the work.





Therapeutic Massage

Perfect for those who have no pressing pain for functional issues and those who wish to regroup through body-centred self care.  This massage employs muscle kneeding and squeezing and long stroke effleurage, with theex[licit purpose of  easing and improving circulation, and encouraging a sense of well-being and connectedness.

General Massage

The tranquility massage focuses on deep relaxation. Aromatherapy and a meditation soundscape enhance the relaxation response. The focused attention to detail includes attention to the hands, head and feet.

 Tranquility Massage

head massage relaxes the mind and balances the general body functions reflexly through the stimulation of reflex areas represented on the skull. 

Head Massage

 Massage therapy with the application of static or pulled cups in key areas. Cupping is a therapy with a history in Asia and the Middle East and is used to draw out congestion of metabolic waste from muscles which aggravates the tissue and creates stiffness.

Massage with Cupping

Cupping is a technique for relieving chronic muscle pain and tension with a long history, going back to ancient Egypt and China. 
In this practice, cups are adhered to the skin by  a vacuum seal. The action of the vacuum  pulls tissue fluids up through the layers of soft tissue, to the surface level.This technique is  traditionally utilized to pull out congestion that is trapped in the musculature. Congestion, or metabolic waste trapped in the musculature irritates the nerves resulting in muscle tension.
Stagnant blood and lymph pulled from the muscle can result in purple marks on the surface of the skin. The fluids and their discolouration will be absorbed over the following days by way of natural processes, but having pulled these fluids from being locked in the muscles, relieves the muscles immediate.
Cups can be placed in static position or can be pulled over the surface and any combination thereof.

Cupping Only

This massage works around clothing or through clothing.  There are several traditions in massage that do not require direct access to the skin. These include techniques such as 
Thai massage, Tui Na and Shiatsu, as well as the adaptation of Swedish techniques such as frictions.  30 minutes clothed massage allows for a single area focus.

Clothed Massage

Shiatsu is a Japanese Massage, which is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor. The client wears lose comfortable clothing, which allows for stretches when and were applicable.  The Shiatsu at Somafield is performed in the traditional form.
Shiatsu is  based on the Chinese meridian system with the intention of bringing balance to the energies that move through the meridian. stimulation

Shiatsu

The use of hot stones comes out of the Hawaiian massage tradition.  
During a massage stones can be placed in static positions along the spine or limbs or they can be used as tools in a moving fashion. I use them in both ways, incorporating them into the massage wherever applicable.  
The heat from the stones is deeply penetrating which helps to relieve deep tension or chronic cold.

 Massage Therapy with Hot Stones

Aromatherapy and hot stones are a wonderful natural compliment. The heat of the stones elevates the effect of the aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy with Hot Stones

Aromatherapy employs the healing properties of plant oils.The essential oils in many plants are some of the most potent healing constituents  and show positive effects on the nervous, respiratory, immune, circulatory or any of the body systems. Aromatherapy is not merely an olfactory experience.  Aromatherapy at somafield is prepared on a custom basis. Rare oils, if requested may result in additional fees.

Aromatherapy Massage 

For athletes or persons who are suffering some direct physical discomfort as a result of overuse or trauma. The combination of hot/cold compresses and arnica accelerates the healing and recovery after injury or overuse.
Through hot and cold compresses one can control the flow of blood and greatly influence healing by muting the inflammatory response while simultaneously bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the area.
Arnica Montana is an herb that is used worldwide in the treatment of soft tissue injury, with particular focus on  muscles. There is no plant that is more important to the healing of muscles than arnica. Commercially Arnica creams and gels are available. At Somafield we produce our own Arnica oil and tincture for in house treatments, which are more potent as they are not diluted by carriers.


Massage Therapy with Arnica Oil and Hydrotherapy

The blend of therapeutic and relaxation massage.  120 minutes allows for focused deep work within a thorough and detailed relaxation massage that includes limbs, hands, feet and head. Includes custom formulated essential oils blend.

120 minute Thera-Regenerative Massage

Infant massage is for babies, aged 1 month to 1 year. The earlier a child is introduced to massage the more adapted they are and the less likely they are to motor about during the session. 
Massage eases muscle tensions and shows a positive impact on digestion, elimination (constipation) as well as physical strength, development and motor skills. Massage also promotes deep relaxation, peaceful sleep, pleasant mood and diminishes stress, anxiety and physical pain.

Infant Massage

from 1 to 3 years (roughly), when the child is mobile yet still developing their physical autonomy. Excellent for all young children but particularly helpful when children lack physical strength, co-ordination or initiative. Also child massage can be very helpful to promote relaxation and self confidence by aiding the release of related muscle tension.

Young Child and Toddler Massage 

If you have concerns about a condition relating to the lymphatic system or if you are seeking pre or post  surgical care, please do book a consultation so that your time, money and expectations are best met.
The lymphatic system is a vast network of infinitesimally small vessels just under the surface of the skin. The system has many functions including delivery of fat soluble nutrients and collection of fat soluble waste as well as general immune function. 
Research has shown remarkable advantage to post surgical healing (particularly significant in cosmetic surgery because it decreases scaring) the lymphatic massage precedes and or follows surgery.  However the lymph is involved in many bodily functions beyond wound healing and some lymphatic concerns might be best met through, or in conjunction with, other modalities such as supplementation, diet changes or herbal treatment. 
As  a expert in the area of lymphatic care I strongly suggest a consultation prior to booking a treatment.

Lymphatic Consultation

Like blood, lymph is a fluid. The fluid system (the vascular system) is the means by which the stationary cells of the body receive nutrients and offload waste, as well was providing the highway for the mobilized immune response. Lymph is, by volume, about 2/3  the volume of  blood. 
The microscopic network of vessels, is so vast, that if you would see them in the absence of all other body structures, they would reveal a complete and detailed outline of the body.  
Lymphatic vessels originate just under the skin, in the fatty layer because lymph is an oily substance and moves naturally in a fatty environment. When healthy  lymph is a light oily substance. When the lymph is stagnant it becomes thick, much like lard. The collecting vessels  at the fatty layer are fragile; microscopic vessels one cell layer thick.  
Lymphatic massage is a light brisk stroke that excites lymph into the vessels, directly beneath the skin. Any direct pressure on the vessels (one cell layer thick) would collapse the vessel. 

Lymphatic Massage

Breast Massage

This is a lymphatic restorative and anti-aging facial. Results are immediate and long lasting. The skin is softer, smoother, brighter, clearer and visibly lifted. The effects of this massage are cumulative when the sessions are taken in close proximity signs of aging literally disappear.  Because of the wide ranging  effects on the entire region, this facial can be claimed as lymphatic massage. Some of the unanticipated benefits are drainage of sinuses, eustachian congestion as well as thyroid congestion and even improved swelling in the hands.  

Omega Lift Facial

after 3 or 4 months initially, and eventually every 5-6 months, the progression of the case is reviewed and adjustments are made to the formula. Once the treatment if focused on longer held emotional responses, the time between case reviews grows longer and the client is on the same formula for longer periods of time

Bach Flower Therapy Review

The Bach Flower Therapy (BFT) intake session  is a review of the history of relevant health and emotional events in the person's life that provides a map of when certain patterns of response either began or took . 
BFT is an &quot;energetic&quot; plant therapy (meaning it is not the material aspect , but the energetic profile of the plant) that heals and matures emotional response patterns. The effects begin immediately and deepen over time. They are profound, safe, non dependancy forming and seldom evidence drug interactions or aggravations.
The intake includes the first month supply of BFT remedy.
BFT is not covered under RMT services and as such cannot be billed to extended health benefits providers.

Marie Graff

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