Catherine Hanson’s Specialties

Manual Lymphatic Therapy/Drainage

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy that encourages the natural process of the lymphatic vessels to eliminate waste products, excess fluids, and bacteria, and to boost your body’s defenses. It has a calming effect on both the mind and the body, giving you a complete sense of wellness after each treatment.

If the body’s lymphatic system is functioning well, we feel well. There are many reasons for the lymphatic system to be sluggish and not functioning well, leaving fluid static in the tissues.  Pollution, toxins, poor nutrition, mucous formation, overload from previous viral or bacterial infections ~ these are all things that can give rise to cellular stagnation and other skin changes, such as fibrosis (hardening of the skin tissue).

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

  • Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain.
  • Improves many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne, and other skin conditions.
  • Strengthens your immune system.
  • Relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy.
  • Promotes healing of wounds and burns and improves the appearance of old scars.
  • Minimizes and reduces stretch marks.
  • Calming effect on nervous system and encourages deep relaxation.
  • Assists in weight loss and detoxing regimes.
  • Effective component in the treatment and control or prevention of lymphedema and assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency.

Lymphatic/Decongestive Therapy

If you have had cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or a genetic deficiency that has affected your lymph nodes and lymph pathways, you might be experiencing chronic swelling of a body part caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid.  If the drainage routes through the lymphatic system become blocked or damaged, lymph accumulates in the tissues and swelling occurs. Unlike other edemas, lymphedema leads to changes in the tissues, such as fibrosis and an increased risk of infections.  The swelling can then become even more difficult to control.

Primary lymphedema develops as a result of a malfunctioning lymphatic system, usually as a result of genetic underdevelopment.

Secondary lymphedema is the result of damage to lymphatic pathways. This may be a result of treatment for cancer following surgery or radiation therapy. Lymphedema can also occur as a result of infection, severe injury, burns, or any other trauma or surgery that causes damage to the lymphatic nodes and vessels.

Lymphedema can affect people of all ages and may occur months/years after surgery, so it is important to understand and manage the life-long risk. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to control lymphedema.

The goal of lymphedema treatment is to help reduce and control swelling, prevent it from getting worse and decrease the chance of complications. Ongoing self-care is crucial. The standard treatment is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The CDT components used in combination are:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – a specialized massage to redirect lymph flow.
  • Compression Therapy – compression garments, sleeves, socks, tights, and/or elastic bandaging.
  • Exercise – to promote lymphatic flow by activating muscle and joint pumps.
  • Skin Care – precautions and recommendations to prevent skin infections.

CranioSacral Therapy

Reiki

The word “Reiki” (pronounced “ray-key”) means Universal Life Energy ~ highly powerful vibrating force, or light energy. As humans, we have Universal Life Energy all around us and within us.

Reiki is a natural and simple healing method that allows you to absorb more life force. We use up our life energy through ordinary daily living and must constantly create a daily supply of new energy. The Reiki method vitalizes your life force and balances the energies in your body. This natural healing energy flows in a powerful and concentrated form through the hands of the Reiki practitioner. The gentle laying on of the hands directs the healing energy into the body of the receiver. These hand positions correspond with the body’s endocrine glandular system and the seven main chakras/energy centres.

  • Crown (Seventh chakra) ~ Pineal Gland
  • Third Eye (Sixth chakra) ~ Pituitary Gland
  • Throat (Fifth chakra) ~ Thyroid Gland
  • Heart (Fourth chakra) ~ Thymus Gland
  • Solar Plexus (Third chakra) ~ Pancreas
  • Sacral (Second chakra) ~ Ovaries and Gonads
  • Root (First chakra) ~ Adrenal Glands

What are the benefits of Reiki?

  • Promotes natural self-healing.
  • Releases blocks and suppressed feelings.
  • Balances the energies in the body.
  • Relaxes and reduces stress.
  • Promotes creativity.
  • Strengthens life force energy.
  • Strengthens intuition.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Relieves pain.
  • Enhances personal awareness and helps meditative states.
  • Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver.
  • Clears energetic toxins.
  • Calms the busy mind.

Fees for Registered Massage Therapy Sessions:

90 Minute Initial or Follow-up Registered Massage Therapy Session- $160 + HST

  • Includes Registered Massage Therapy, Lymphatic and Decongestive Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy

60 Minute Initial or Follow-up Registered Massage Therapy Session- $110 + HST

  • Includes Registered Massage Therapy, Lymphatic and Decongestive Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy

45 Minute Follow-Up Registered Massage Therapy Session- $95 + HST

  • Includes Registered Massage Therapy, Lymphatic and Decongestive Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy.

Fees for Reiki Sessions:

60 Minute Reiki Session- $111 + HST*

  • Includes Reiki only.

*Not an RMT Billable Service