David offers both Chinese Medicine style and orthopedic type (aka IMS - intramuscular stimulation) acupuncture. He is a honours graduate from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, where he obtained his Diploma of Acupuncture. Previous to this he completed a western herbal studies program with Seraphina Capranos and has a background in teaching yoga and offering yoga therapy. He has been recommending remedies and other lifestyle choices for many years, having spent hundreds of hours talking to people about their health as a nutritional supplements consultant for more than 12 years.

David has always had an interest in East Asian medicine, having discovered the benefits of it in his early 20’s. Things like spirituality, nature, meditation, and healthy eating have always been on his mind. Through his various studies, David has come to see that the body’s state of being represents itself over and over in many spheres. From bone to skin to mind and emotion - it is all interrelated. Chinese Medicine has tracked and mapped these relationships and developed methods to bring the body and mind back to balance.

David has a special interest in treating body pain, injury recovery, other musculoskeletal issues, sleep and stress issues, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and working with people who want to optimize their health. In an initial meeting, a comprehensive evaluation is done. This involves conversation about your health and your goals from treatment. Diagnosis also involves a hands-on approach, feeling the uniqueness of your radial pulse, observing your tongue, palpating specific acupuncture points and energetic channel lines - looking for areas of soreness, weakness, robustness and everything in between. Chinese Medicine theory holds that the body can be read, the outer body will reflect the inner body. As a result, we can find signatures of internal malfunction represented on the outside.

Most treatment sessions will involve some tuina (Chinese medicine massage), which is one of the many modalities under the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) umbrella. This form of massage uses specific and unique techniques on the body’s channels that alongside acupuncture regulate the body’s Qi (energy) and blood. Tuina opens the body, is deeply relaxing and lays the foundation for more potent acupuncture outcomes. It has a complete universe of techniques and has many dedicated practitioners. When we think of acupuncture we might consider it a part of a whole bodywork system. TCM bodywork can also mean the burning of prepared mugwort herb over acupuncture points, using fascia releasing technique called guasha, and applying cups on the body through fire induced suction to dispel and release pathology. There are specific therapeutic benefits to all of these. Additionally acupuncture needling can be enhanced by the usage of a percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device, this practice is commonly known as E-stim.

In terms of what to expect from treatment, each session builds on the last, and the real potency of acupuncture is experienced with time. There is additionally a refinement in the approach used with each treatment. Generally, it is good to recognize that the benefits are cumulative and in the beginning it is best to schedule a few sessions in a row. David will discuss treatment planning, duration and frequency in your first appointment and update that plan as progress is made.

David respectfully acknowledges that the land he practices on is the unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

www.instagram.com/david.malcolm.acupuncture

David offers both Chinese Medicine style and orthopedic type (aka IMS - intramuscular stimulation... Read More

Annie direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE

During your therapeutic massage, I incorporate different modalities into the deep tissue treatment, such as trigger point release, fascial release, postural awareness, and therapeutic exercises.

Annie will be adding Manual Lymph Drainage to her list of modalities, sometime in the fall. She Is looking forward to expanding her horizons in this field and help more people.

After graduating from OVCMT, Annie had the opportunity to work alongside a large group of massage therapists in Kelowna.

After a couple of years, Annie moved to Burnaby where she found a wonderful start up physio clinic and worked with them for a couple of years.

After some travel time to the Caribbean, she now finds herself on Vancouver Island, a place she has been wanting to call home for decades.

She is honoured to have been part of such an incredible group of therapists, and is looking forward to joining this new amazing family. Annie has been an animal advocate for her whole life, she volunteered at the Vancouver aquarium for many years - Marine rehab and rescue, husbandry, and beluga private tours. There have been many animal rescues through the years from equestrian therapy programs to wildlife rehab. Her love for the ocean knows no bounds. Currently learning to sail, with big dreams to sail the world one day and clean the ocean along the way! As she starts to settle in to the beautiful Comox Valley, she is renewing her scuba ticket and been learning to kayak as well.

Annie direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE During your therapeutic massage, I incorp... Read More

Willie direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE & ICBC

Through training, coaching and participating in endurance events Willie became fascinated by the human body and how to best achieve health and wellness.

You will find that Willie is very passionate about his profession. Assessment and home care plays an important role in each session to give the client the best possible help depending on their needs and goals.

Willie uses a variety of techniques like Triggerpoint therapy, Muscle Energy, Myofascial Release, Joint mobilization as well as relaxing modalities. ​ In addition to his passion of massage therapy Willie is enjoying an active lifestyle. He likes to participate in a variety of sports such as triathlon, trail running and mountain biking.

Willie direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE & ICBC Through training, coaching an... Read More

PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Stevie is direct billing most Extended Health Plans.

Dr. Stevie holds a firm belief that everyone is an ‘athlete’ whether they are competitive, want to move more, move better or keep moving. Whether you are looking to improve performance, take that hike, or play with your grandkids, Dr. Stevie wants to help you get back to what you love most!

Since childhood, athletics has been an important part of Dr. Stevie’s everyday life, which has included competitive gymnastics, soccer, dance and cheerleading. She understands the demands of sport, the will to return to training and the importance of supporting your team. Chiropractic kept her competing and moving in her developing years while her teammates sat out with injury after injury.

Dr. Stevie’s unique background allows her to focus on the needs of her ‘athletes’ to provide individualized care consisting of manual therapy, functional exercises, and kinesiology taping. Specialized care provides not only immediate results and control over your pain but education regarding your symptoms and your body to help provide long term relief and confidence.

Dr. Stevie Newman Szeps is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College completing her Doctorate of Chiropractic with Honours. Her fascination with human movement has led her to the realization of just how central and important it is to life itself. As such, she continues to learn new ways to incorporate movement into each and every day to maintain and improve quality of life.

Let Dr. Stevie help get movement back in your life!

PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Stevie is direct billing most Extended Health Plans. Dr. Stevie holds a firm be... Read More

Hailing from northern BC, Prince George, Stephen has always had an interest in how things work and solving puzzles. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy granted Stephen access to streams of knowledge and tools, giving a solid foundation to being able to help folks understand their bodies and to lend a hand restoring proper function.

With a passion for helping alleviate chronic conditions, he will work with you to achieve your goals and needs. Stephen utilizes deep tissue to lighter myofascial work, pelvic stabilization and joint mobilization, (PNF) stretching to find balance within our systems.

Outside of the treatment room Stephen loves to putter, nerd out and be in the bush. “Sometimes you strengthen, sometimes you rest, sometimes you walk it off, sometimes we are at our best.”

Hailing from northern BC, Prince George, Stephen has always had an interest in how things work an... Read More

Brienna graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC, April 2023. She is currently waiting to write her board exam in September 2023.

She decided to pursue a career in Massage Therapy after she got into a car accident in November 2018. She found that her Massage Therapist played an integral role in her recovery and wanted to provide that same care and space of healing to her patients. She is also fascinated by human Anatomy and Physiology, health and nutrition.

Brienna brings a calm, gentle and empathetic demeanour into her treatment space and is eager to help her patients feel better. She is inclusive and open to listen to the needs of others and how she can provide the best possible care.

When she is not massaging, you can find her cooking, baking delicious treats, gardening, reading, riding her bike and spending time with family and friends.

Brienna and her husband Michael moved to the Comox Valley at the end of April 2023. She spent many summers in Comox visiting her Grandma Ruth and desired one day to make the move up here! They’ve both fallen in love with the Valley, the mountains, and the people. She is so excited to be here, that if you see someone waving at you when you’re driving, that’s probably her!

Brienna graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC, April 2023. She... Read More

Jeff has nearly 20 years of experience in therapeutic massage and still maintains the passion he had entering the profession. He approaches the body as a whole, constantly considering how one structure affects another, and stays present and focused in his work. Techniques he has found most effective include myofascial and trigger point release coupled with stretching and mobilization. He encourages people to better understand the mechanics of their bodies and take care of themselves.

Outside of massage, Jeff was born and raised on the island, is a nature lover, and knows he is lucky to live here. He likes to stay active in many ways, listening to music and spending time with his family. He genuinely looks forward to seeing you.

Jeff has nearly 20 years of experience in therapeutic massage and still maintains the passion he ... Read More

Jan Shields knows the value in taking personal responsibility in the self care arena, and that managing your stress is of utmost importance. With this in mind she strives to provide her clients with a quality massage experience to help elicit the relaxation response & encourage body/mind homeostasis, a “your body knows how…it just needs a re-set” attitude. Bringing 31 years experience providing RMT services to a relaxation based self care practice. Swedish massage, Reflexology, Essential oils, Indian Head massage, Clifton Strengths coaching & Hanna Somatics can all be intertwined to create your unique sessions with Jan.

Jan Shields knows the value in taking personal responsibility in the self care arena, and that ma... Read More

Since 2012, Dr. Colleen has taken a special interest in stress and mental-health as they pertain to her patients’ physical concerns and uses a trauma-informed approach to help her patients achieve the highest standard of health. She helps her patients with a range of diagnoses ranging from digestive issues, hormone imbalances and cardiovascular disease address the underlying reasons for their disease and return to wellness.

If you deal with any other following conditions, Dr. Colleen can help you on your path to optimal health:

• high blood pressure

• anxiety

• depression

• PMS

• hypothyroidism

• autoimmune disease

• insomnia/difficulty sleeping

• fatigue

• digestive conditions including reflux, crohn’s, colitis and IBS

• high cholesterol

• infertility

• low libido

• menopause

• allergies

• asthma

• arthritis

• diabetes

• skin conditions including

rosacea, acne, psoriasis and eczema

Main tests that Dr. Colleen can order:

1) Standard screening blood work for assessing cholesterol, iron deficiency, thyroid function, cardiovascular risk, liver function, diabetes, kidney function

2) SIBO breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

3) Virology testing for chronic viral infections

4) Food Sensitivity Testing to determine food sensitivities

5) Hormone testing for adrenal fatigue, PMS, menopause

6) Comprehensive stool analysis - for digestive disorders (IBS, Crohn’s, Colitis, Diverticulitis)

Since 2012, Dr. Colleen has taken a special interest in stress and mental-health as they pertain ... Read More

Aurora direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE

Aurora has led a very active life so far. Competed in sailing regattas until her mid-20s, played rugby as part of a club for nearly a decade, while enjoying leisurely hikes, hot yoga, and weightlifting. With her understanding of aches and pains from an active life, she always knew she wanted to help other people through touch, education and homecare to maintain a happy body and nearly pain-free life.

She began her educational journey at Dalhousie University, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2015. She focused on the ergonomics and biomechanics stream of kinesiology. Working with physiotherapists as a kinesiologist, she decided she wanted to make her own treatment decisions and directly help people in their healing. She continued with a massage therapy diploma at Eastern College in Halifax, N.S. in 2017. With goals for continuing her education, getting experience and learning through touch is very important to her. Shortly after graduation, Aurora enjoyed a vacation where she travelled across the continent, hitting beautiful tourist spots in Canada and the U.S., and returned refreshed to start work at a multidisciplinary clinic as an RMT. During her employment, she also volunteered at various events and brought sports massage to running marathons and tai kwon do tournaments.

Aurora uses a full body approach to wellness. She uses a combination of postural and orthopedic assessments, myofascial release, passive and/or active stretching, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, joint mobilizations, deep tissue, and craniosacral massage. She encourages each client to speak up if something hurts or doesn’t feel right. Aurora arrived in the Comox valley in autumn 2019 from Nova Scotia with her partner and child and is looking forward to helping as much as she can.

Aurora direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE Aurora has led a very active life so far... Read More

Alisa direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE.

// Alisa has been practicing Massage Therapy since 2005 after completing her training at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. After graduating she moved to Parksville where she practiced for 5 years before moving to the Comox Valley in 2009.

Alisa provides massage therapy treatments that empowers patients to achieve their unique health and wellness goals, and sees massage therapy as a part of achieving better health along with maintaining good daily habits to support overall well being. She treats any areas of concern as well as the areas that may be leading to the pain, discomfort or dysfunction.

Alisa looks at a person wholistically, which is very important in determining the cause to many ailments. She incorporates a variety of techniques into a treatment based on each patients needs, whether it be stress relief, relaxation, resorting function, gaining mobility or decreasing pain or a combination of ailments. Alisa provides compassionate guidance and positive support in creating a treatment and health care plan with her patients.

Alisa has a passion for learning. She has participated in a variety of courses and seminars through her career keeping her knowledge up to date which enables her to provide the most effective treatment and current information she can for and with patients.

Alisa direct bills to most insurers, including MEDAVIE. // Alisa has been practicing Massage The... Read More

Melissa has a passion for the outdoors and all things mind and body related. A graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy 3000 hour program in New Westminster and Registered since 2007.

Melissa has an enthusiasm and proven track record for success in helping to relieve pain and restoring proper function and mobility to all areas of the body, especially the lower back, hips, shoulders and neck. Employing a wide variety of therapeutic and relaxation techniques including fascial deep tissue and trigger point release, Melissa has just taken Cranio sacral level 1 and is excited to begin incorporating these beautiful and powerful techniques into her treatments and continuing education.

Melissa considers the personal bond with her patients to be highest honor of our profession and is planning on pursuing the healing touch practitioner program to further her ability to help and support her patients in not only their physical but also their mental emotional and spiritual well-being.

Melissa has a passion for the outdoors and all things mind and body related. A graduate of the We... Read More

In 2007 Sydney began her career in massage therapy at the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage in Makawao, Hawaii. She worked in various resorts and spas until 2011 when she decided to further her education and began a 2200 hour Remedial Massage Therapy program in Calgary AB. She is now registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC after challenging the board exams in September of 2015.

Sydney’s work involves a blend of clinical and relaxation techniques, depending on the needs and wants of each client. She believes in the importance of using evidence-based practice to achieve results as well as in the benefits of reducing stress throughout the body. She is trained in swedish, myofascial techniques, deep tissue, trigger point therapy and hot stone massage. All RMT’s are trained to provide clients with appropriate home care including stretching and strengthening exercises.

Sydney is passionate about providing her clients with the tools they need to take charge of their health.Whether your needs are to reduce pain, address postural imbalances, or to simply take some time out, she will help you achieve your wellness goals in a supportive, calming environment.

Sydney has spent the last several years living in Nelson B.C. She is very excited to be back on Vancouver Island which was her childhood home, and to serve the residents of the Comox Valley.

In 2007 Sydney began her career in massage therapy at the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage in M... Read More

Colton direct bills to most insurers including MEDAVIE.

He began his quest for holistic wellness in his early twenties after receiving care from a physiotherapist. Manual therapy, stretches and strengthening exercises sparked his interest in personal growth to be his best Self.

Colton pursued a Massage Therapy diploma from Ontario College of Health & Technology and graduated in 2018. He is starting at Canadian School of Osteopathy Manual Practice in September 2023 to further his education throughout the next five years to pursue a D.O.M.P.

>Colton’s clinical focuses are rehabilitation, muscular imbalances & postural correction. He uses myofascial release, stretching, soft tissue release and trigger point therapy for therapeutic treatments. Colton is a level one practitioner of Craniosacral Therapy offering a 10-step protocol for addressing craniosacral rhythm imbalances.

At the end of treatments patients may be instructed with appropriate home care about stretching and strengthening if they are interested.

Colton is here to support you and your lifestyle as best he can with massage therapy by adapting treatment plans to suit your individual needs. He is happy to serve you with your ideal treatment to help you reach your therapeutic goals.

He practices meditation, mindfulness and kundalini yoga while enjoying the creative process of making music.

Colton direct bills to most insurers including MEDAVIE. He began his quest for holistic wellness... Read More

Please note that Randi is currently not taking new clients.

Randi is a graduate of WCCMT, New Westminster’s 3000 hr program and has been a practicing RMT since 2008.

Randi has experience working with many different cases including: * Headaches Post exercise soreness (DOMS) Pregnancy Occupational injuries Motor Vehicle Injuries Relaxation

She uses a variety of techniques in her treatments based on the individual needs of each patient. She also provides home care instructions such as stretches and exercises as needed to enable patients to continue working on feeling better at home.

Having been raised in the Kootenays Randi loves to be outside snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, or relaxing with a book. Until her recent move to the Comox Valley Randi had been practicing Massage Therapy in the Lower Mainland most of the year and spending her winters working in the Koootenays. She is excited to take advantage of all of the new adventures Vancouver Island has to offer

Please note that Randi is currently not taking new clients. Randi is a graduate of WCCMT, New We... Read More

PLEASE NOTE: Julia is not accepting new patients at this time.

Julia Eilerts RMT is available for treatments 5 days a week offering morning, afternoon & evening appointments.

Julia has a passion for an active lifestyle, keeping herself busy with kayaking, hiking, kickboxing, enjoying nature and camping. She knows that with an active lifestyle comes along soreness and possible injuries and offers a number of different techniques to help maintain and regain a healthy body.

Movement is an important tool in Julia’s practice and homecare and she strongly believes in the “move it or lose it” theory. Julia is passionate about the care she provides for her patients and what they present with.

She is determined to create the best treatment plan possible for them in order to assist them through their healing. You can expect a mindful, calm and healing environment while working with Julia, addressing issues from injury, soreness, pain and illness to pregnancy and simply relaxing.

Julia spent time studying at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria and after graduating and successfully becoming registered, she has returned to her home town of Comox. Having had both parents working in the medical field, an interest in anatomy and physiology comes naturally to her. Working with seniors at a young age taught her the importance of caring and compassion and she strives to carry that through her every day life.

She is extremely excited to be a Massage Therapist in the Comox Valley and is looking forward to gaining as much knowledge in the Massage Therapy field that she can along the way.

PLEASE NOTE: Julia is not accepting new patients at this time. Julia Eilerts RMT is available fo... Read More

Katie looks forward to assisting the community with over 25 years of training and experience in the healing arts.

During this time she has been trained as a Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Yoga Teacher, Somatics Coach, Ayurvedic Bodyworker, Chartered Herbalist & Healing Touch Practitioner. As a life long learner with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, she continues to study and train around the world. She is currently training in business administration.

All sessions are tailored to the individual using years of clinical training and intuition. Katie seeks out the root problem and using a variety of techniques and modalities offers solutions to correct long standing issues. Having experienced chronic neck pain for over 20 years, Katie has a deep and compassionate understanding for those that are affected by pain.

Katie understands the importance of body awareness and habitual patterns are essential to overcome self limiting situations. Using somatic movements, muscle energy techniques, neuromuscular techniques, trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy, herbal oils, therapeutic massage, breath work and healing touch, Katie helps people manage acute and chronic pain.

If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, Katie will help you do that! Using various methods, she will give you the opportunity to reset your nervous system.

Katie is the founder and owner of Courtenay Massage Therapy. She is honored to be the Comox Valley 2018 Record People’s Choice Winner & 2022/2020/2019/2015 Runner Up.

Katie looks forward to assisting the community with over 25 years of training and experience in t... Read More