by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is the fifth in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
Our bodies were designed for movement, pleasure and enjoyment of living. In this short stint on earth, we are meant to enjoy good health and an active bountiful life. The staff at Reach Health work hard to help their clients have the best quality of life possible. Two valuable members of their team exemplify exactly what they mean by their tagline: “Reach Your Health Potential!”
A Registered Massage Therapist with Reach Health in Sidney, Alyssa Madill is proud of her positive role in the community: “I treat a wide variety of conditions, and have had success in decreasing symptoms and improving the lifestyles of many people.” Her work is never dull: “Some conditions that I see most often include headaches, Lumbar Disc Dysfunction, SI (sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction … every day is different!” Alyssa gets to know each patient and caters her treatments to their specific needs: “When someone comes to see me we will have a conversation about their current and past health history, I will perform some assessment, then we will agree on a treatment plan together.” Her treatments include an array of techniques such as Muscle Energy Technique, Contract Relax Technique, and Thai Massage, amongst others.
Alyssa’s valuable services to local people go way beyond that hour in her office: she strives to help them have better and healthier lives. Our bodies are made to move – this core principle is important to Alyssa: “Reminding people to move more often, or move better, is a huge part of what we do as RMT’s. A simple change such as setting a timer on their desktop to encourage some movement every hour can be highly beneficial.” Alyssa’s work is profoundly satisfying: “I get excited about helping patients make lifestyle changes, and when we can both witness the results that come, then it becomes very rewarding.” The “joy” factor is also crucial to success. A recreational triathlete, Alyssa walks the talk: “I believe that fitness should be for joy and mental health, which is why I encourage my patients to find something they love that keeps them active … I believe you should love your food and love your exercise!”
Reach Health’s Lisa Cumberland is a Registered Acupuncturist, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and a TCM Herbalist. Lisa explains her tender treatments: “I offer a relaxing treatment that combines massage, acupressure, acupuncture (I am very gentle and it usually doesn’t hurt) also other TCM modalities. I also recommend Herbal Formulas (or pills) for those who want to strengthen their body and relieve symptoms naturally.” Lisa’s areas of focus are mental health, chronic pain and general wellness. Regarding one common ailment: “Arthritis responds very well to acupuncture. When combined with the topical application of a warming herb, acupuncture can relieve pain and reduce inflammation immediately. Needles are typically placed into points surrounding the painful area, bringing circulation to the area and helping relieve the stagnation that causes pain and swelling.” The health professional incorporates lifestyle changes into wellness plans, such as regular exercise: “Movement is an essential part of the healing process.” What is the secret behind these effective treatments? Lisa: “Acupuncture and natural healing methods like TCM give a boost to the body’s own natural healing resources.”
Lisa is trained in a form of Acupressure that “facilitates release of deeply held emotions.” Her treatments can benefit people with problems caused by anxiety and stress. With very specialized techniques, she helps to reduce tension in the body. “Also, Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas are excellent to treat anxiety and stress.”
The two caring therapists at Reach Health want their clients to enjoy their lives – walking along the Sidney Pier and soaking in a sunset over aqua blue or just knowing what it is like to truly feel good inside and out. Pay them a visit. It could change your life.
For more information, visit reachhealth.ca.
